Sri Lanka, Aug. 27 -- Sri Lanka's top-ranked backstroke swimmer Akalanka Peiris won a gold medal and a bronze medal at the Victorian State Short Course Swimming Championships 2025, which ended in Melbourne, Australia.

The 25-year-old, who trains in Australia, struck gold in the men's 100m backstroke with a season-best 54.47 seconds. He also added a bronze in the 50m backstroke, clocking 25.07 seconds - another seasonal best performance.

Earlier this month, Peiris created history at the Victorian Country Short Course Championships, where he set a new meet record in the 50m backstroke. He clocked 25.23, breaking the old mark of 26.68, to claim gold.

Peiris said he was pleased with his times so early in the season. "These are my season-be...