The roaring rapids of the Kelani River in Kitulgala became the arena for fierce river adventure sports today, September 30, 2026, as the 2026 National White-Water Kayaking and Rafting Championship trials officially commenced.

Organized by the Sri Lanka White Water Rafting Association with backing from the Ministry of Sports, the three-day competition drew over 70 elite paddlers, including seasoned river rescue specialists and youth athletes from surrounding Sabaragamuwa river communities. Competitors maneuvered solo kayaks and four-man commercial rafts through turbulent Grade 3 and 4 torrents, navigating challenging rock chutes with razor-sharp technique and synchronized paddle strokes. Sports officials noted that competitive river sports trials elevate Kitulgala's stature as a premier South Asian adventure tourism destination while grooming national athletes for international white-water slalom events.