Diving duo Dulanjan and Ruel represent Sri Lanka at Canada Cup

Sri Lanka will look to its leading divers, Dulanjan Fernando and rising star Ruel Wickramaratne, as they prepare to compete at the Canada Cup Diving Meet 2026, scheduled to take place in Windsor from April 9 to 12.

Fernando, one of the country’s most accomplished springboard divers, heads into the competition with significant international experience. An alumnus of Royal College Colombo, he is currently training in Australia on a scholarship. Having competed at both the Commonwealth Games and the World Aquatics Championships, Fernando has built a reputation for consistently raising the bar in Sri Lankan diving.

His recent performance at the Victoria Open Diving Championship 2026, where he secured a bronze medal, reflects strong form ahead of the Canada Cup. Expectations are high for him to deliver a composed and technically precise showing in Windsor.

Joining him is 15-year-old Wickramaratne, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in Sri Lankan diving. Also representing Royal College Colombo, he made history by becoming the nation’s youngest national diver at just 14. Since then, he has rapidly progressed, currently holding the national champion title.

Wickramaratne has already made an impression on the international stage, earning a silver medal in Hong Kong in 2023. He followed that up with an outstanding performance at the 2024 Singapore National Championships, claiming two gold medals along with a silver and a bronze.

Despite facing challenges such as limited access to advanced dry-land training facilities in Sri Lanka, the young diver has demonstrated exceptional adaptability and discipline. His ability to execute complex routines and meet international qualification standards has set him apart as a promising future star.

His inclusion in the Canada Cup squad not only reflects his growing consistency but also serves as valuable preparation ahead of the upcoming Asian Games in Japan later this year.

Guiding the duo is national coach Chanaka Wickramarasinghe, a former national diver whose expertise and structured training methods have been instrumental in nurturing the country’s diving talent.

With a blend of experience and youth, Sri Lanka will be aiming for a strong showing at the Canada Cup, as both divers look to make their mark on the international stage.