Melbourne-Based Sri Lankan Swimmer Akalanka Peiris Breaks National Record Twice in One Day
· Sri Lanka
Melbourne-based Sri Lankan swimmer Akalanka Peiris produced a remarkable series of record-breaking performances at the Australian Nationals 2026, setting three new Sri Lankan national records in two days.
On Thursday, October 1, Akalanka broke the Sri Lankan National Record in the men’s 50-metre backstroke twice on the same day.
He first clocked 24.45 seconds in the heats, improving his previous national record of 24.52 seconds.
Later that evening, Akalanka returned for the final and lowered the record once again, finishing in 24.35 seconds and setting a new Sri Lankan national record for the second time that day.
His impressive form continued on Friday, October 2, when he set another Sri Lankan National Record in the 100-metre individual medley, recording a time of 55.55 seconds. This improved the previous national record of 55.79 seconds.
The performances came at the highly competitive Australian Nationals, which brings together leading swimmers from Australia and international competitors and serves as an important qualifying event for athletes targeting the World Championships.
Based in Melbourne, Akalanka trains in Australia while continuing to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage.
His three national-record performances across two days mark a significant achievement for the Sri Lankan swimmer and underline his continued development and success at international-level competition.
Akalanka’s performances are another proud moment for Sri Lankan swimming, with the Melbourne-based athlete continuing to raise the national standard in the pool.