Sri Lanka Celebrates Four Decades of Rowing Excellence with the 40th Rowing National Championships

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.

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 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 success of the 40th Sri Lanka Rowing National Championships is made possible by the invaluable 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 partner Prima Kottu Mee, is 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, 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.