Sri Lanka star Havishka Perera shines at 39th Rowing Nationals

Apr. 10 - The 39th Sri Lanka Rowing Senior/Intermediate/Junior Nationals, held at the Diyawanna Rowing Center in Batharamulla from April 3rd to April 6th, 2024, witnessed a display of exceptional talent from across the country. 

With 21 teams and over 350 athletes, including representatives from the tri forces, universities, clubs, and schools, the competition was fierce.

In a showcase of dominance, the senior men's and women's categories were claimed by the formidable Sri Lanka Army, while the intermediate category was secured by the Sri Lanka Navy. However, it was the junior division that saw some remarkable performances.

The junior boys' overall championship was clinched by the Asian International School (AIS), with Ladies College Colombo emerging victorious in the girls' overall championship. Among the standout events in the junior category were the School Boy Scull and School Girl Scull events.

One name that stood out amidst the talented field was Havishka Perera, a 15-year-old prodigy from the British School in Colombo. Havishka, who trains under the Sri Lanka Junior pool and Diyawanna Rowing Academy, showcased her prowess by claiming multiple titles.

Havishka secured the Best Junior Girl Rower award by dominating the School Girl Scull event, setting a new Sri Lankan junior record with a remarkable time of 8 minutes and 39 seconds. She further solidified her status as the best junior single scull rower by clinching the gold medal in the Under-18 Girls Single Scull event, clocking in at 8 minutes and 46 seconds.

This isn't Havishka's first taste of success on the international stage. Having represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Junior Rowing Championship in Thailand last year, she has been steadily adding to her collection of national medals since 2022. (Pix by: Waruna Wanniarachchi)