Creativity and Resilience Celebrated at the Felicitation Ceremony of the Sri Lankan leg of the KBR Baton Design Competition
Updated Date: 11th February, 2026
Colombo, 11 February 2026 - The long-awaited felicitation ceremony for the Baton Design Competition winners and judges of the Sri Lankan leg of the King’s Baton Relay was held on Friday, 06th February 2026 at the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium, Olympic House, celebrating student creativity while recognising the collaborative spirit behind a nationally significant artistic initiative.
The competition was held on 25 November 2025, prior to the cyclone, with 30 students participating, comprising 20 female and 10 male students representing 15 teams. Participants came from the University of Kelaniya, University of Ruhuna, University of the Visual and Performing Arts, and the University of Sri Jayawardenepura. Students from all state universities were invited to submit creative concepts using specially prepared dummy batons, providing a unique platform for artistic expression.
The top winners were:
' 1st Place: P A Kumuthu Umeja and W Sachinda Deshapriya, University of the Visual and Performing Arts
' 2nd Place: R D C S Weerasekara and G M S D Senarath, University of Kelaniya
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3rd Place: Y K N Hewawasam and D M D L Dissanayake, University of Kelaniya
Following the competition, the first and second place teams collaborated on the final Baton design under the guidance of a distinguished judging panel comprising Bandu Manamperi, Dillai Joseph and Koralegedara Pushpakumara.
The felicitation ceremony was held at a later date due to the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka on 27 November 2025, causing widespread loss of life, displacement of communities and significant infrastructure damage.
The Sri Lankan leg of the King’s Baton Relay, originally scheduled from 28 November to 3 December 2025, had been fully prepared with confirmed routes and community engagement plans. However, in alignment with the Commonwealth Sport value of Humanity, CGA Sri Lanka redirected all Baton Relay resources, including staffing, funding and grant allocations, towards immediate relief and early recovery efforts.
Instead of ceremonial celebrations, staffing, funding, and logistical support were mobilised to assist affected communities in clean-up and rebuilding initiatives. The decision demonstrated national solidarity and prioritised compassion during a time of crisis.
The eventual felicitation ceremony therefore represented more than recognition of artistic achievement. It stood as a symbol of resilience, unity, and the ability of sport and creativity to inspire even after adversity, reinforcing the shared commitment to humanity that underpins international sporting traditions.
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