COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, July 16 (ePRESS) – A 25-member Colombo Rowing Club (CRC) team left the island on Wednesday with their sights firmly set on defending both men’s and women’s titles at the 84th Madras–Colombo Regatta, set to be held on Saturday, July 19, on the historic Adyar River in Chennai, India.
One of the oldest and most respected rowing rivalries in the world, the Madras–Colombo Regatta dates back to 1898. The regatta is the second-oldest inter-club rowing competition globally, after the Oxford–Cambridge Boat Race, and remains Asia’s oldest international rowing regatta.
This year’s event continues a legacy that spans over 125 years, bringing together the Colombo Rowing Club and Madras Boat Club in a spirited display of cross-border sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and deep-rooted friendship between Sri Lanka and India.
The 83rd edition held in Colombo last year saw a dominant performance from CRC, who clinched comprehensive victories in both categories. The men’s team secured 44 points to Madras’ 6, while the women’s team completed a clean sweep, taking all available points (25-0).
Now, with the action shifting to Indian waters, CRC rowers are determined to hold on to their trophies—the Deepam Trophy (men’s) and the Adyar Trophy (women’s).
The regatta features multiple race formats such as Single and Double Sculls, Coxless Pairs, and Coxed Fours, including both men’s and women’s events. The competition rotates annually between Beira Lake in Colombo and the Adyar River in Chennai, adding to the prestige and tradition of the event.
“This regatta is not just about rowing. It’s a celebration of resilience, tradition, and enduring friendship,” said Talal Shums, President of the Colombo Rowing Club. “We are proud to represent Sri Lanka and carry forward a sporting legacy that has stood the test of time.”
CRC Men’s Crew
The Colombo men’s team will be led by national-level rowers across multiple boat classes:
Single Sculls: Arjun Wikramanayake (A), Sasiru Panditha (B)
Double Sculls: Arjun & Uvein Rajapakshe (A), Sasiru & Janik Jayasekara (B)
Coxless Pairs: Saadh Ajmal & Thevinu Weligepolage (A), Aedan Jansz & Shailindra Jayasekara (B)
Coxed Four – Boat Race: Thevinu, Uddeep Liyanage, Niduk Batapolaarachchi, Saadh, coxed by Rahil Abhayaratne
Coxed B Fours: Aedan, Shailindra, Shevin Udugama, Newan Perera, coxed by Kemil Peter
CRC Women’s Crew
The women’s side features a well-rounded lineup, including the stars of last year’s sweep:
Single Scull: Rovinya Wijesekara
Double Sculls: Rovinya & Sanindi De Silva
Coxless Pair: Anithra Fernando & Binuri Gunawardena
Coxed Fours: Turanya Basnayake, Tihana De Saram, Sanindi, Kehansa Madugalle, coxed by Ananya Kirtisinghe
