27th Rowing Nationals at Bolgoda from Sept 15 to 17

By Sachin David

The Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL) yesterday announced that the 27th National Rowing Championships will be held from September 15 to 17 on the waters of the Bolgoda Lake. 

ARASL President Rohan Fernando (right) receives the replica of sponsorship cheque from Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel General Manager Corporate Operations and Marketing  Janaka Jayalath whilst shaking hands.From left Hony. Secretary Dumuth Gunawardene, Chief Operating Officer Lushantha de Silva, ARASL Chairman Deva Henry and Chairman Technical Committee Lakmal Wickremage are also present – Pic by Upul Abayasekara

The event will be conducted at the Bolgoda rowing club adjoining the Ranmal resort in Bolgoda. 

“We moved the Nationals to Boldoga back in 2009 in order to promote water sports and water bound tourism on the Bolgoda Lake,” ARASL President Rohan Fernando told a news conference.

He said this year there will be a total of 40 races on each of the 3 days. 

“Entries have already been closed for the Regatta and we have a total of 17 institutions that will take part next week end” Fernando added.

He also said there will be an anti-doping test brought in for the first time in the sports history in Sri Lanka. 

Main sponsor for the seventh consecutive year Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel’s Senior General Manager Corporate Operations and Marketing Janaka Jayalath said it was a pleasure to have sponsored the event for so long. 

 “It is very encouraging to see the sport grow from strength to strength over the years and we have seen a great improvement in national rowing,” he added. ARASL Chief Operating Officer Lushantha de Silva said the races will be run at a distance of 2000 meters for each race and they will be four lane races. 

He also stated that there will be over 300 Athletes participating with 214 in the Male category and 125 in the female category.  According to De Silva there will be three age groups, namely Under 16, Under 19 and the elite event which is an open event. Out of the 17 institutions 12 will participate in the elite event and this will be the deciding event for the National title.