From 2015 to 2022 when the World Aquatics was still known as FINA (; International Swimming Federation), neutral athletes have competed under the designation Independent FINA Athlete (IFA) either due to their national federation's suspension of their governing body or as refugees.
Refugees have competed under the designation Athlete Refugee Team (ART) under the World Aquatics banner at the World Championships since 2023.
At the 2015 World Aquatics Championships, Sri Lanka's national federation was suspended from recognition and therefore not allowed to be represented at the championships. Consequently, athletes from Sri Lanka swam under a "FINA" banner at the championships as independent athletes. The 2015 World Championships were 24 July to 9 August 2015 in Kazan, Russia.
Four swimmers from Sri Lanka competed in nine different events, including two medley races.
At the 2017 World Aquatics Championships, FINA allowed refugees to participate under the FINA banner as independent athletes. The competition took place in Budapest, Hungary from 14 July to 30 July. The two swimmers partook in two events each.
At the 2019 World Aquatics Championships, FINA allowed refugees to participate under the FINA banner as independent athletes. The competition took place in Gwangju, South Korea from 12 to 28 July. The two swimmers partook in two events each.
At the 2022 World Aquatics Championships, FINA allowed refugees to participate under the FINA banner as independent athletes. The competition took place in Budapest, Hungary from 18 June to 3 July. The three swimmers partook in two events each.
At the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, World Aquatics allowed refugees to participate under the World Aquatics banner as independent athletes (code:ART). The competition took place in Fukuoka, Japan from 14 to 30 July. The two swimmers partook in two events each.
At the 2024 World Aquatics Championships, World Aquatics allowed refugees to participate under the World Aquatics banner as independent athletes (code:ART). The competition took place in Doha, Qatar from 2 to 18 February. The two swimmers partook in two events each.
At the 2025 World Aquatics Championships, World Aquatics allowed refugees to participate under the World Aquatics banner as independent athletes (code:ART). The competition took place in Singapore from 11 July to 3 August. The three swimmers partook in five events.