AIS dominates Sri Lanka’s rowing squad in Asian Junior C’ship quest

In the run-up to the upcoming Asian Junior Rowing Championship, Sri Lanka’s rowing squad is in the limelight, featuring a standout presence from the Asian International School (AIS). Among the 11 rowers set to represent Sri Lanka in Thailand from December 14 to 18, five skilled athletes hail from AIS, marking the school’s pioneering role as the first international institution to introduce rowing in Sri Lanka.

Adding to the significance, both the boys’ and girls’ teams for Sri Lanka will be led by AIS rowers. Shaylon Gunaratne will captain the boys’ team, while Rovynia Wijesekera takes charge of the girls’ team.

Shaylon Gunaratne is making waves in Sri Lanka’s sports scene, earning a gold medal in the Single Scull category at the Asian Coastal Rowing Championship. Facing tough competition from countries like Indonesia and India, Shaylon displayed exceptional stamina, staging a remarkable comeback to secure the gold and surprising the entire Asian rowing community.

Not stopping at one victory, Shaylon and his schoolmate Rovynia Wijesekara achieved another milestone by clinching a bronze medal in the Mixed Double Scull category during a competition earlier this year along Thailand’s coastal belt.

The AIS rowing team, a formidable force, includes two female rowers, Nethuki Senanayake and Rovinya Wijesekera, along with three male oarsmen, Shaylon Gunaratna, Venuk Panduwawala, and Shivendra Goonewardene. Together, they are poised to row with pride for their nation in this mega event featuring 12 strong rowing nations, including powerhouses like China, Japan, Indonesia, Iran, and India.

Experts attribute this surge in rowing excellence to the influence of Sri Lanka’s National Coach, Spanish Pedro Lopez, and Assistant Coach Shanaka Kariyawasam, alongside the dedicated coaching team at AIS led by Sanjeewa Guruge.

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