Item in the DAILY MIRROR, October 2025
Akalanka Peiris, a Sri Lankan domiciled down under triumphed at the Australian National Short Course Swimming Championships 2025 and is likely to be the next big story of swimming in the island. In the process Peiris broke the Sri Lankan national record in the 100m Individual Medley with a time of 55.89 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 56.49 seconds.
He achieved a seasonal best of 24.84 seconds in the 50m Backstroke, finishing among the top four in Australia in a highly competitive field featuring some of the world’s best backstrokers.
Australia is ranked second in world in swimming behind the United States of America and it marked a historic milestone for Peiris who became the first Sri Lankan swimmer in history to book a slot in the top ranks at the Australia Nationals.
Peiris also stood out as the only Asian to qualify for the finals at the 2025 Australia Short Course Nationals, showcasing his ability to compete at the highest level overseas. Currently Peiris is pursuing his studies at CQUniversity Australia, while balancing a demanding academic workload alongside the challenges of elite-level swimming.
He will also make no secret of his deep gratitude to his family, acknowledging their constant support and sacrifices which have been essential to his progress as both an athlete and a student. His long term desire is to qualify and represent Sri Lanka at the 2028 Olympic Games and is currently focused on the South Asian Games, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and world championships.
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