Visakha Vidyalaya shatters records at National Rowing Championships

• First-ever Junior Girls’ crew to win both Junior and Intermediate titles in Sri Lankan history

In a feat that will be etched into the annals of Sri Lankan sports, the Rowing Crew of Visakha Vidyalaya made history at the 40th Sri Lanka National Rowing Championships, becoming the first junior girls’ team ever to clinch both the Junior Girls’ and Women’s Intermediate titles at a national-level regatta.

Even more remarkable they did it without owning a single boat or oar.

Competing against highly resourced rivals, these trailblazing young women defied all odds, relying on sheer grit, determination, and team spirit to carve out an achievement that has redefined what’s possible in school rowing.

With unwavering focus and relentless drive, the Visakha rowers pulled off a record medal tally: seven Gold medals; one Silver medal and four Bronze medals.

They dominated across age groups including Under-15, Under-17, and Intermediate events — showcasing flawless technique, raw strength, and mental resilience as they surged through the waters of the Diyawanna Rowing Centre.

At the helm of this extraordinary campaign was Captain Anusara Akmeemana, whose unwavering leadership, tactical intelligence, and emotional strength anchored the team through every high and low. Alongside her, Vice-Captain Thisali Welage provided critical support, helping build a culture of trust, hard work, and excellence. Their leadership proved that titles are not won by equipment, but by the heart behind the oars.

The team’s success would not have been possible without the unrelenting commitment of the coaching staff, lead Coach, Nirmal Gunaratne, who worked tirelessly under immense constraints to shape a cohesive, disciplined, and fearless unit. His efforts were instrumental in transforming raw talent into national champions and in nurturing a belief that nothing is impossible.

That Visakha rowed their way to history without owning their own equipment is a story that resonates far beyond sport. Borrowing boats and relying on the generosity of fellow rowing clubs, the girls trained early mornings, late evenings, and through every obstacle thrown their way. What they lacked in resources, they made up for in unity, sacrifice, and an unshakable will to win.

This history-making crew includes: Oneli Seneviratne, Menoli Yatigammana, Imandi Mahawatte, Vethmi Weeraratne, Sahelee Kinara, Saheli Senanayake, Seneli Perera, Navini Perera, Nadithi Weeraratne, Mishanthi Padeniya, Jenuli Gunawardena, Anumi Yatigammana, Dulandee Bastian, Hirundi Gamage, Yesali Jayakody, Dinuli Dahanayake, Miheli Liyanage, Chiranya Abeysinghe, Rivini Karasinghe, Shanuki Kithmini, Sethuli Gamage, Sethini Ranawake, Methinga Dheerasinghe, Sashenka Weeraratne, Sanuli Wellala, Vinuthi Kulathilake, and Mihindi Bimansa.

Visakha Vidyalaya extended profound gratitude to the institutions that opened their doors, shared their facilities, and helped make this dream a reality including the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, and Air Force Rowing Clubs, Kothalawala Defence University, D. S. Senanayake College, Wesley College, and Asia International School Rowing Crew. Their support enabled the girls to train and compete at the highest level. Special recognition goes to Visakha Vidyalaya Principal Manomi Seneviratne, Deputy Principal Jeewana Ariyarathne, the Prefect of Games, and the Teachers-in-Charge of Rowing, especially  Subodha Wijesinghe, whose encouragement and guidance gave wind to their oars.

This victory is more than a collection of medals — it is a statement. A movement. A powerful reminder that talent, grit, and unity can outperform resources and privilege. The Visakha rowers have not only raised the bar for junior girls’ rowing in Sri Lanka but have become a symbol of what determined young women can achieve when driven by passion and purpose.

When the final horn sounded, they weren’t just champions — They were pioneers. They were record-breakers. They were Visakhians who always live the motto of “wisdom purifies oneself.”