41ST ROYAL- THOMIAN REGATTA TODAY
The races will start at 1pm at the Colombo Rowing Club today (October 25, 2014)
The Oarsmen of Royal College, Colombo and S.Thomas’ College, Mt Lavinia will showcase their skills and technique as they battle it out for the T. Noel Fernando Memorial Trophy at the traditional 41st Annual Royal – Thomian Regatta. One of the oldest inter-school regattas in Sri Lanka, this annual rowing competition between Royal College and S. Thomas’ College commenced in 1962 as the Royal – Thomian Boat Race. It evolved into a regatta format in 1966 with two fours rowed by the two traditional rivals. While Royal College was led by L AW Sirisena, the Thomian crew was led by C N Sirimanne. Royal College won the very first boat race in 1962 by one boat length and S.Thomas’ College went on to gain their first win in 1964 - beating Royal by three boat lengths.
This traditional regatta currently comprises of 11 races which includes sculls, pairs and fours. Out of the 40 Regattas rowed, S. Thomas’ College has recorded 19 wins while Royal College has won 15. Five regattas have ended in a draw, while the Regatta in 2006 was not held. The races are rowed over a distance of 1,000 yards at the Colombo Rowing Club. Regarded as the most prestigious boat race in Sri Lanka, the race is rowed for the Boat RaceTrophy – Senior Fours. The Chief Guest for the event will be Ajith Goonawardene, a past oarsman of SThomas' College, Mount Lavinia (1967–1969). Suren Goonewardene, Chief Executive Officer/Managing Director, BhartiAirtel Lanka, will be the Guest of Honour. The event is sponsored by Bharti Airtel Lanka.