Colombo - Moratuwa Universities clash on Beira Waters

Richard DWIGHT

Through time since 1980 the Inter University Regatta between Colombo and Moratuwa, with special emphasis on the ‘Boat Race’, has progressed through the years to lay claims to it being referred to as the local version, of the famed boat race between the two universities, Oxford and Cambridge on the river Thames.

This year the Oarsmen of both Universities, Colombo and Moratuwa will clash on the Beira waters (Alongside the Colombo Rowing Club) on Saturday, for their 26th Regatta which commences at 1 p.m.

It is being organised by the rowing crew of the University of Moratuwa (Mora Rowing) in collaboration with the Alumni Network of Oarsmen/Women of the University (Old Mora Rowing) and the Physical Education Division.

Both universities have produced excellent oarsmen in the past, some of whom have gone to represent the country at different levels.

University of Moratuwa have been in the forefront of rowing headlines this year by winning the annual Bolgoda Regatta and bagging medals in the Madras - Colombo Regatta and Sri Lanka Rowing Nationals held recently.

Yet other attractions at this year’s Regatta would be an invitational race between mixed crews from Musaeus/ Ladies/ Royal/ St. Thomas’ Colleges. A large screen bringing live coverage of races from the start to finish, which surely must be for the first time.

Moratuwa University team Upul Abeyratna, Ruchira Tharanga, Lakmal Arandara (Captain), Maheel Gamage(Coach), Ashika Nuwan (Vice Captain), Isuru Thotahewa. Standing, Chathurangi De Silva, Tharangika Sandamini, Madhavi Leuke Bandara, Nanduni Gamage, Dinusha Kulathunga, Nayanathara Sashikani. Standing, Akila Wanigathunga, Thisum Buddhika, Vidya Sandeepa, Ravindra Ranganatha, Pubudu Kumarage, Thilina Madushanka, Madusanka Randike, Dasun Ranasinghe, Thanitha Weerasekara, Hirantha Jayasinghe, Damith Aravinda, Geethan Malinda, G.L.A. Sunimal.

Absent: Harendra Amarakoon (Ladies Captain), Waruni Jayasinghe.

Colombo University team Chalinda Akalanka, Dulip Maduranga, Sachintha Rathgamaguruge, Dilini Jayasekara (Vice Captain - Women’s), Prashan Costa, Tharindi Panduwawala (Captain - Women’s), Janith Akmeemana (Captain - M en’s), Akila Dakshina, Ravindra Lamahewa, Chamali Anuttara, Anne Jayaweera, Prabath Perera, Kanishka Madanayaka, Umenda Harshana, Danushka Withanage. Absent: Sahani De Silva, Prabath Kalhara (Vice Captain - Men’s), Kasun Senadheera, Thilakamanraj, Amal, Chathura Colambage, Lishan Wickramanayaka, Asanga Malith, Vishnu Balachandran. Lloyd Sirimanna (Coach).