The year 2024 marked a monumental chapter in the history of Royal College Water Polo. Commanding dominance in the Sri Lankan schools’ water polo arena, the Tuskers swept all five major titles at the U19 level, capped by their crowning achievement—the Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy—at the 31st encounter with S. Thomas’ College. This historic season not only celebrated athletic brilliance but also ushered in a new era for the sport at Reid Avenue, inspiring players across all age groups.
The Hayman Trophy encounter at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool was a showcase of Royal’s bright future, with young players as young as seven cheering on the senior team. Their passion, inspired by the seniors’ success, highlighted how one generation’s achievements can spark the dreams of the next. This resurgence in Royal water polo is even more significant given the historic rivalry with S. Thomas’ College. Despite the Thomians’ 17 Hayman Trophy wins to Royal’s 10, recent results, including a thrilling 21-21 draw and this year’s emphatic victories, reflect Royal’s growing dominance, driven by discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
More than just trophies, Royal College water polo fosters values such as camaraderie, and leadership—qualities embodied by the senior team, who not only led their squad to victory but also inspired the wider community to embrace the sport.
The sport’s growing popularity amongst schools owes much to the efforts of the Royal College Union Aquatic Club (RCUAC) which has been instrumental in popularizing water polo across schools, creating opportunities for new participants. This year, in partnership with the National Youth Services Council, they launched the inaugural President’s Trophy Water Polo Tournament, attracting a wide range of schools and clubs. Additionally, the RCUAC Challenge Shield inter-school tournament has become a key event on the schools’ sports calendar, while initiatives like Leadership Insights— a programme organized for the benefit of all Water Polo teams from all schools, featuring former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke—have provided valuable motivational support for players. These efforts have significantly raised the profile of water polo, ensuring its continued growth in Sri Lanka’s schools.
The 2024 season is a testament to the transformative power of sport. It showcased how dedication, discipline, and vision can create extraordinary achievements while fostering unity and purpose. The Royal College Senior Water Polo team has set a benchmark of excellence, not just for future generations of Royalists but for others to aspire to. Their legacy serves as a beacon for future generations, ensuring that the water polo tradition at Royal College flourishes for years to come.
Under 19 Team Achievements this year
Winners of the Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy
Presidents Trophy Champions
Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union League Champions
Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Sports Association League Champions
Winners of the Royal Nalanda Challenge Shield
Royal College Water Polo Team 2024
Mihin Wanigasekara (Captain), Yasandu De Silva (Vice Captain), Dimeetri Liyanage, Anuga Handunpathirana, Vinuda Somakeerthi, Bihandu Katugampala, Talal Bary, Yusuf Shihar, Imaad Ismath, Rahul De Silva, Lithum Karunasena, Dinal Wellappili, Geesath Fernando, Indeev De Silva, Tehan Gunatilake, Nathan Gunewardana.
Water polo Coaches – Yasodha Wasalage, Chandula Fernando, Omira Lokuge & Kanishka Heenkenda
Swimming Coaches – Kanitha Munasinghe & Kingsley Fernando.