High Commission of India
Colombo
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PRESS RELEASE
SWIMMING EXPEDITION BY SRI LANKAN AIR FORCER PERSONNEL LEADING AIRCRAFTMAN ROSHAN ABEYSUNDARA
India and Sri Lanka Defence forces have traditionally shared close relationship in defence training and capacity building. In continuation of these close engagements, initiative has been taken by Sri Lanka Air Force in adventure activity, where in Leading Aircraftman Roshan Abeysundara, Sri Lanka Air Force has embarked on a challenging endeavour of swimming across the Palk Strait. The High Commission is happy to facilitate necessary arrangements on the Indian side, and extends best wishes to the ace swimmer for success in his forthcoming endeavour.
Roshan Abeysundar is 32 years old and a product of Mathara Central College. An enlisted airman of Sri Lanka Air Force since 2008, he has successfully participated in various Adventure Sea- Swimming expeditions in Sri Lanka. With great determination he successfully completed Sri Lankan National Swimming record of 49km in 23hrs on 26 Mar 21.
With his successful endeavour he would swim across the Palk Strait, from Thalaimannar in Sri Lanka to Dhanushkodi in India and back an approximate distance of 60 km. Though 14 swimmers have crossed the Palk Strait to date but this unique feat of swimming back has been undertaken by only one Sri Lankan swimmer Mr. Kumar Anandan in 1971, wherein he took 51 hrs to complete the event.
Demonstrating the close ties shared by the two countries, the event will be flagged off in the presence of Mrs Archana Ramesh, Consul from Consulate General of India, Jaffna and Air Cmde SN Fernandopulle, Director Sports from Sri Lanka Air Force.
Through this expedition, Abeysundara will spread awareness about Fit Sri Lanka Movement. The endeavour also symbolises India - Sri Lanka connectivity at the people’s level and their close and friendly ties through millennia.
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Colombo
10 April 2021
