40th Sri Lanka Rowing National Championships set to make waves at Diyawanna Rowing Centre

The Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL) is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated 40th Sri Lanka Rowing National Championships, set to take place from July 23rd to 26th, 2025, at the iconic Diyawanna Rowing Centre in Battaramulla.  

This milestone event will feature over 200 exhilarating races across four days, welcoming over 600 entries and showcasing the talent of over 300 athletes, bringing together the nation’s most talented oarsmen and oarswomen. 

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The National Championships stand as the pinnacle of domestic rowing in Sri Lanka, showcasing the diverse and robust talent pool across various categories. While rowing was historically introduced as an elite sport, it has evolved significantly over the years. Today, it boasts widespread participation from schools, clubs, universities, and the armed forces, making it a truly inclusive sport that reflects the dedication, skill, and sportsmanship of a broad spectrum of Sri Lankan athletes. 

This championship holds immense significance as the primary stepping stone for aspiring rowers to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage. Many national team members who have brought glory to the country began their journey at this very regatta, making it a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing future champions. 

The Championships are meticulously divided into three distinct regattas to foster development at all levels: 

Junior Regatta: This category is crucial for building and developing the sport from the grassroots. It is further segmented into Under 15 (U15) competing over 500m, Under 17 (U17) racing 1000m, and Under 19 (U19) tackling the 2000m distance, progressively challenging young athletes as they grow. 

Intermediate Regatta: Designed as a 2000m race, this category is specifically tailored to develop up-and-coming oarsmen and oarswomen. It serves as a vital stepping stone into the demanding Open category, intentionally created to accommodate and nurture university athletes who might begin their rowing careers in their early twenties. 

Senior Regatta: This is the fiercely competitive national level, featuring seasoned athletes and established national team hopefuls vying for top honours and demonstrating peak performance. 

The history of the Sri Lanka Rowing National Championships is deeply interwoven with the evolution of the sport in the country. Over its four-decade legacy, the championship has graced several key venues that have shaped Sri Lankan rowing. For 24 years, the prestigious Colombo Rowing Club served as its traditional home, witnessing countless historic races and the rise of legendary rowers over a 1000m course. A pivotal moment in the regatta’s history was the shift  to the scenic Bolgoda Lake Rowing Club for 3 years, a move specifically undertaken to allow for the extension of race distances from 1000m to the international standard of 2000m, thus aligning Sri Lankan rowing with global competition requirements. In more recent times, the state-of-the-art Diyawanna Rowing Centre has proudly hosted the Championships for 13 years, providing a world-class facility for the nation’s premier rowing competition. 

The successful execution of the 40th Sri Lanka Rowing National Championships is a collaborative effort, and the ARASL extends its profound gratitude to the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Navy, and Sri Lanka Air Force for their invaluable support and assistance in the seamless running of this prestigious regatta. 

The event is also made possible by the generous support of our esteemed partners. We extend our sincere gratitude to Fondre as our Primary Sponsor, and CAL as our Associate Sponsor. Our Food and Beverage requirements are generously supported by Prima Kottu Mee, ensuring athletes and spectators are well-catered for. Furthermore, we acknowledge the crucial contributions of our Digital Sponsors, Ceynergy and Califolink, who enhance the reach and experience of the event. We are also deeply grateful to Asiri Hospitals, our dedicated Medical Sponsor and Healthcare Provider, ensuring the well-being of all participants throughout the championships. 

As we mark this significant 40th anniversary, the ARASL invites all rowing enthusiasts, sports fans, and media to witness the passion, power, and precision that define Sri Lankan rowing. Join us in celebrating this enduring tradition and cheering on the athletes who embody the spirit of the sport.