Dedicated to nurturing talent and empowering Sri Lanka’s future champions, HNB PLC Sri Lanka’s leading private sector bank and the most awarded bank in 2025, has announced its role as Title Sponsor of the HNB Novices Age Group Swimming Championships 2026, organised by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU).
The championship is scheduled to take place from 28 to 31 January 2026 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium Swimming Pool Complex, Colombo, bringing together thousands of young swimmers from across the island for their first formal experience in competitive swimming.
Spectators will be able to follow the championship live on Dialog Television via ThePapare TV2 (Channel 63), with live streaming available on ThePapare.com and the Dialog Play App, ensuring nationwide access and visibility for emerging talent.
Recognised as Sri Lanka’s largest and most significant entry-level swimming championship, the Novices Age Group Championships form the foundation of the national athlete development pathway.
For many participants, this event marks a defining milestone; their first appearance in swimming, starting block setting the stage for progression into age-group, intermediate and national-level competition.
Commenting on the partnership, Upul Adikari, Vice President - Marketing and Corporate Communications at HNB, stated:
“Sport uniquely challenges young people mentally, physically and emotionally, building character well beyond competition.
At HNB, we see this transformation begin at the grassroots.
By supporting the Novices Age Group Swimming Championships, we are investing in opportunity, access and aspiration, and we commend the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union for sustaining a platform that strengthens the future of swimming in Sri Lanka.”
Further strengthening this commitment, HNB Brand Ambassador and Sri Lanka National Swimming Captain, Kyle Abeysinghe an Olympic hopeful for Los Angeles 2028 continues to play an inspirational role for emerging swimmers, reinforcing the importance of early exposure, mentorship and belief in the development journey.
Through the HNB Novices Age Group Swimming Championships 2026, HNB reaffirms its belief that every champion begins with a first dive – and remains” in it to win It, “championing Sri Lanka’s future by empowering the nation’s next generation of athletes.
Image caption from left - Ishara Thilakarathne - Brand Manager, HNB PLC; Kyle Abeysinghe (OLY) - HNB Brand Ambassador – Sports; Upul Adikari - Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications, HNB PLC; Mahinda Liyanage - General Secretary, SLASU and Chetiya Wijeratne - Assistant General Secretary, SLASU.