Akalanka Peiris

Akalanka Peiris creates history at Australian Nationals

Akalanka Peiris creates history at Australian Nationals 2

Sri Lanka’s Australian-based swimmer Akalanka Peiris has etched his name in the record books, breaking a national short course record while also achieving one of the highest-ever finishes by a Sri Lankan at the Australian National Short Course Swimming Championship in Melbourne this week.

On the opening day, the 25-year-old clocked 55.89 seconds in the 100m Individual Medley, erasing his own Sri Lanka national short course record of 56.49 set in 2022. His performance placed him among the top six swimmers in Australia.

Akalanka Peiris continued his fine form on the second day, storming to a 24.84-second finish in the 50m Backstroke final, earning a 4th place overall in Australia, an extraordinary achievement given Australia’s status as the world’s No. 2 swimming nation. Although he narrowly missed his own Sri Lanka short course record of 24.52 seconds, his effort earned 705 FINA points, cementing his position as Sri Lanka’s second-highest ranked swimmer in terms of FINA points.

The result carries extra significance, as the 50m Backstroke has been officially added to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic programme, with qualification beginning in 2027.

Akalanka Peiris creates history at Australian Nationals 2

“I am pretty happy because last year I was sixth in Australia, and now I am fourth,” Peiris said after his race. “I am balancing my studies and job here in Australia with the support of my family. My target is to represent Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games next year.”

The three-day Australian Nationals also serve as a selection trial for the Australian national squad, making Akalanka Peiris’s performance even more notable.

Akalanka Peiris breakthrough marks the first time a Sri Lankan swimmer has reached such a high rank in Australia, further highlighting his potential on the road to the Olympics.

AKALANKA PEIRIS – ATHLETE PROFILE

Dimuth Akalanka Peiris

Personal Information

Full Name: Halpewaththaga Dimuth Akalanka Peiris

Date of Birth: 11 January 2000 Nationality: Sri Lankan Coach: Jayson Lamb

Training Location: Warrnambool Swimming Club, Australia

Summary

Akalanka Peiris is one of Sri Lanka’s most decorated and inspiring swimmers — a six-time national record holder, Youth Olympian, and Commonwealth Games finalist.

With over 700 medals, 82 national age group records, and a Top 25 world ranking in the 50m backstroke, Akalanka has consistently set new benchmarks for Sri Lankan swimming. He made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan student to sit for G.C.E. A/L exams

abroad, balancing academics and elite competition at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta. In 2024, he shattered the 26-second barrier in the 50m backstroke at the World Aquatics Championships in Doha, earning a global rank of 22nd, 3rd in Asia, and 1st in South Asia—a first for any Sri Lankan swimmer. His journey, marked by discipline, resilience, and record-breaking achievements, continues to inspire athletes across the region. Akalanka was also chosen to represent Sri Lanka in a royal audience with King Charles III at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, further underscoring his role as a national ambassador both in and out of the pool.

Education

Peter’s College Colombo: Peterite Gold Award Recipient
C.E. Ordinary Level: 9 Distinctions
C.E. Advanced Level (Commerce Stream): 3 Credit Passes
CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Business Analytics at Central Queensland University, Australia

Awards & Leadership Roles

Peterite Gold Award – Peter’s College
Senior Prefect – Peter’s College
National Life Saving Captain – Sri Lanka
Director of Sports – Rotaract Club of Pearl Island
Member – World Blasters Toastmasters Club

International Representation

Youth Olympic Games – Argentina (2018)
World Championships – Singapore (2015), USA (2017), Korea (2019), Abu Dhabi (2021), Qatar (2024)
Commonwealth Games – Australia (2018), United Kingdom (2022)
Asian Games – Indonesia (2018), China (2023)
South Asian Games – India (2016), Nepal (2019)
Australian National Swimming Championships (2023), (2024), (2025)

Career Highlights & Records

2025 Australian Short Course Nationals: 4^th in Australia in 50m Backstroke, National Record in 100m IM
2025 Victorian State Short Course Championships – 1^st in 100m Backstroke, 3^rd in 50m Backstroke
2025 Victorian Country Short Course Championships – 1^st in 50m Backstroke, Victorian Country Record
2024 World Championships: Broke 26s barrier in 50m backstroke (25.86s) – Ranked 22^nd in the World
2024 Australian Short Course Nationals: 6^th in Australia, National Records in 50m & 100m backstroke
2024 Victorian State Short Course Championships: 1^st in 50m Backstroke, 2^nd in 100m Backstroke
2023 Australian Nationals: 10^th in 50m Backstroke
2023 Asian Games: 10^th in Asia – 50m backstroke
2022 Commonwealth Games: National Record – 50m Butterfly
2019 South Asian Games: 1 Gold, 3 Silver, 3 Bronze – National Records in Backstroke & Butterfly
2016 Russia Mini Olympics: World Rank #1 – 100m Backstroke

Sri Lankan National Records

Long Course (50m):
- 50m Backstroke – 86s (Doha, 2024)
- 100m Backstroke – 99s (Tashkent, 2017)

Short Course (25m):
- 50m Backstroke – 52s (Adelaide, 2024)
- 100m Backstroke – 47s (Adelaide, 2024)
- 200m Backstroke – 2:01.55s (Kathmandu, 2019)
- 100m Individual Medley – 89s (Melbourne, 2025)

Career Medals & Records

Holds 6 Sri Lankan National Records
700+ Career Medals
82 National Age Group Records broken

Awards & Leadership Roles

Peterite Gold Award – Peter’s College
Senior Prefect – Peter’s College
National Life Saving Captain – Sri Lanka
Director of Sports – Rotaract Club of Pearl Island
Member – World Blasters Toastmasters Club

Special Achievements

First Sri Lankan student to sit C.E. A/L exams overseas (Jakarta, during 2018 Asian Games)
Selected to meet His Royal Highness King Charles III at the 2022 Commonwealth Games
Ranked Top 25 in the world in 50m backstroke
Ranked Top 4 in Australia, one of World’s top reigning countries in swimming

What’s Next

Currently training in Melbourne, Australia under renowned coach Jayson Lamb, Akalanka is more driven than ever to elevate his performance on the international stage. His upcoming competitive roadmap includes: