Conquering the Bolgoda waves

Nipuni WIMALAPALA

It is a much awaited event in Sri lankan rowing calender, Bolgoda Regetta 2011, a tribute to Dr Ray Wijewardana is one of the most prestigious awards for the Sri lankan rowers. Dr Ray Wijewardana memorial trophy which is to be held on September 3 and 4 of in the premises of Ranmal Holiday Resort, Panadura means a lot to the oarsmen and women from all over the country who are enthusiastically awaiting to participate in the event. For the eighth time running the Rowing Crew of University of Moratuwa is proudly organizing the event.

Rowing in the Bolgoda Lake is an exciting experience. Its picturesque views and waves have a special power that makes you forget everything else and enjoy nature.

Best memories of most oarsmen and women would undoubtedly include experiencing the mesmerizing Bolgoda waves as the lake binds each oarsman with its charm. Of course it does not come without obstacles such as the prawn traps that have been laid and the invading water plants which makes it even more adventurous.

Bolgoda has been the nurturing grounds for undergraduate oarsmen and women for years and Moratuwa Rowing team has been rowing at this venue from the early 80’s. But not until recently was the full potential of the untapped waters of Bolgoda realized. Dr Ray Wijewardana, then Chancellor of the University of Moratuwa was the instrumental figure behind this successful endeavour.

The rowing crew of the University of Moratuwa organized the Regatta for the first time in the waters of Bolgoda, under the guidance of Dr Wijewardana. They are proud to be the forerunners to build the 2000 m straight course for races and acknowledging the capacity of the Bolgoda Lake.

Through the Bolgoda Regatta the amazing water sport, rowing, had reached outside the Colombo City, in the past it was limited to Colombo, Beira Lake and only the people who have access to Colombo Rowing Club were involved in it.

This Regatta contributed to the establishment of two new crews; namely Prince of Wales College Rowing crew and the Bolgoda Lake Rowing Club.

The Bolgoda Regatta was also the pioneering multi-lane rowing competition in Sri Lanka.

The regatta held at Beire Lake allows only two lanes in a one kilometre course whereas the Bolgoda Lake has the capacity to occupy four lanes with 2000 m course and allows the oarsmen and women to race under International standards.

The first Bolgoda Regatta was held in 2003, which was a small scale competition. However it was a success. The second Bolgoda Regatta was held in 2004 at the same venue and with a multi-lane two kilometre course in which six categories of events were held with the participation of 8 teams. The participation of the teams increased to 10 for the third Bolgoda Regatta held in 2005, where four lane racing was first observed in Sri Lanka for the first time.

In 2007, Bolgoda was chosen as the venue for the rowing events of South Asian Games 2007 (SAG). The Moratuwa Rowing team was the technical facilitator for the event as they had the expertise on conducting such events in the past.

Last year the regatta was held for the seventh time and the Junior men’s championship was won by Royal College while the Senior overall Championship was won by St Thomas’ College. Both Junior and Senior overall women’s championships were won by Ladies College, Colombo.

Following the paradigm created by the Moratuwa Rowing Team for the eighth time in a row, the Bolgoda Regatta is to be held in 2011 as well. Everybody who loves to row, eagerly looks forward to participating in Bolgoda Regatta 2011. The champions will be presented the Dr Ray Wijewardana Memorial Trophy.