Colombo, Jan 24, 3.45PM – Asian International School (AIS), pioneering rowing in Sri Lanka, emerged triumphant at the first-ever Sri Lanka National Indoor Rowing Championship held last weekend at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre, organized by the Sri Lanka Rowing Association.
Competing against 15 junior teams, AIS clinched an impressive 15 gold medals and three silver medals. Led by Sri Lanka’s top junior oarsman, Shaylon Gunaratna, AIS rowers dominated the junior segment of the two-day tournament, outshining all other schools and clubs.
In the MU18 – 2000m category, Captain Gunaratna set a new Sri Lanka Record with a remarkable time of 6:48.5, securing the gold medal. Shiviandra Goonewardena added to AIS’s success by bringing home a silver medal with a time of 7:02.2.
Venuk Panduwawala, another talented AIS oarsman, displayed his talent in the MU16 – 2000m event, winning the gold medal with a time of 7:03.5. Inesh Peiris secured a silver medal in the same category with a time of 7:37.3.
In the MU14 – 1000m event, Shayden Gunaratna continued AIS’s winning streak, claiming a gold medal. Sonal Tranchell secured a silver medal with a time of 3:47.9.
AIS’s four-member team, featuring Shaylon Gunaratna, Yusuf Rizmeer, Daanish Haleemdeen, and Shiviandra Goonewardena, secured the gold medal in the MU18 – 500×4 event with an impressive time of 6:41.8.
In the MU14 – 250×4 event, the AIS quartet of Shaylon Gunaratna, Luquman Rizmeer, Janiru Ranasinghe, and Sonal Tranchell secured another gold medal with a time of 3:44.5.
In the MU16 – 500×4 event, Inesh Peiris, Venuk Panduwawala, Ra’ed Cader, and Chanul Vithanage secured yet another gold medal for AIS with a time of 7:01.0.
Sri Lanka Rowing Technical Director Pedro Sanz praised AIS, highlighting them as the team with the most victories. He emphasized the strength of AIS’s junior rowing team, attributing their success to disciplined training, values, and dedication. Sanz expressed optimism for Shaylon Gunaratna’s future, mentioning plans for participation in the Junior Asian Championship in Thailand and the World Championship in Italy this year.
Pedro Sanz commended AIS for their commitment to training and acknowledged the promising skills of the younger generation. He highlighted Shaylon Gunaratna’s leadership in the national arena and credited AIS with making a significant contribution to Sri Lanka Rowing.
First row (from left) Venuk Panduwawala, Chanul Vithanage, Shiviandra Goonewardena, Shaylon Gunaratna, Mr. Harshana Perera (Principal), Yusuf Rizmeer, Daanish Haleemdeen, Inesh Peiris, Ra’ed Cader Back Row (from left) Shayden Gunaratna Sonal Tranchell, Janiru Ranasinghe, Luqman Rizmeer.
