Sri Lanka Rowing to achieve international recognition

Sri Lanka has made remarkable progress in the development of rowing. Although the modern version of rowing was started by the British in 1864, the sport has been practiced even during ancient times. Competitions of paddle boat racing in Sri Lanka and Thailand have been documented in the Olympic records as the earliest form of rowing in the world. The recent progress of the sport with the fullest backing of the World Rowing Federation (FISA) has come in for commendation. The annual report of the World Rowing Federation has proudly mentioned Sri Lanka as a model for development of rowing in South East Asia.

In this regard, the first ever long term rowing development program was initiated in August 2013, in Colombo and Bolgoda. This program was funded by the World Rowing Federation, under the auspices of the National Olympic Committee. The first segment of the program is to develop the technical skills of Sri Lankan coaches. Former Italian Olympic Oarsman and Australian Rowing Coach - Mr. Antonio Maurogiovanni was assigned for the first program structured into three segments to teach coaching skills.

So far two sessions have been conducted, one in August and the other just concluded. Subsequent to these training sessions an examination was conducted and 18 participants including two ladies were awarded certificates in Level – I coaching. Altogether 36 participants took part and coaches who did not qualify would be given a further opportunity in February 2014.

It is also pertinent to note that Mr. Lasanatha Welikala of the Bolgoda Lake Rowing Club was awarded the license for international umpiring. This would mean that Sri Lanka will now have representation in the Asian Region and the international arena of rowing providing umpiring support. With this development and encouragement from FISA a special course for rowing umpires will be conducted in mid-2014 for the aspirant rowing umpires in Sri Lanka and South East Asia.

Currently Sri Lanka Rowing is focusing on propagating the sport with 18 institutions already functioning as constituent members of the rowing federation. These institutions represent schools, universities, sports clubs and the armed forces. It is noteworthy that nearly 600 athletes are actively participating in the sport and the annual National Rowing Championships attract majority of these athletes to be reorganized as the best in the country. With the development of the Diyawanna Rowing Course, Sri Lanka now has two multi lane, 2 kilometre racing courses in line with international standards. During the recent visit to the world rowing federation headquarters in Lausanne, by the president of the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka, Mr. Rohan Fernando discussions were held to obtain the services of FISA at least till the Olympic Games in Rio 2016 to vie for a wild card in rowing. It was also discussed that during the next five years Sri Lanka to be developed as a regional rowing hub for conducting training sessions and competitions for the South East Asian region.

Like the country, Sri Lanka Rowing is unstoppable and destined to reach greater heights for recognition by the international rowing fraternity and win medals for the country.

Photo caption: A participant receiving his certificate from former Italian Olympic Oarsman and Australian Rowing Coach Mr. Antonio Maurogiovanni cheered by president of the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka Mr. Rohan Fernando (extreme left)