Sri Lankan rowing programme moves in a positive direction

The World Rowing Federation, FISA and Sri Lanka's National Olympic Committee has helped get the programme started with the first stage being to develop technical skills in Sri Lankan coaches.

Brought in to facilitate the programme is former Italian Olympian and international coach, Antonio Maurogiovanni. Eighteen participating coaches have been awarded certificates in Level 1 coaching and one umpire, Lasanatha Welikala has received an international license.

Across Sri Lanka there are now 18 institutions that are supporting rowing including schools, universities, sports clubs and the armed forces. This makes up about 600 active rowers.
The nation now boasts two multi-laned 2km racing courses including the newly developed Divawanna Rowing Course.

Maurogiovanni shared his experiences with World Rowing:

World Rowing: How did you see the state Sri Lankan rowing when you arrived?
Antonio Maurogiovanni: I had not actually been to the country before.  During my first visit I was made to feel extremely welcome and what I noticed with the rowing programme, was that it was in quite a critical state but with a positive intent for change and improvement. The rowers were very enthusiastic but unprepared and it was a similar situation for the coaches.

WR: What are you aiming to achieve?
AM: My main goal has been to help ARASL (Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka) plan and implement projects through a sustainable national rowing programme. The main objective of the ARASL is to make Rowing nationally accessible and to improve the international participation and performance of a Rowing Sri Lanka National team.

Primarily I have been enabling the core body of coaches to access a formal qualification through the FISA level 1 and level 2 coaches course.

WR: How are you getting locals interested in rowing?
AM: There are two main well-structured rowing clubs in Colombo. Both clubs are running a very basic development programme. Their main recruitment pools are high schools that have rowing programmes, military sports clubs (currently there are three military rowing clubs) and the University Rowing Club. The challenge is to create a pathway from these programmes into the international level.

WR: Are there currently any regattas held?
AM: There are two main regattas held in Sri Lanka one being their National Championship and the annual schools regatta.

WR: Are there any rowers aiming for the international level?
AM: I’m convinced that there are young rowers within the rowing schools network in Colombo. I did see a couple of junior male and female athletes that had the ambition to participate at the Junior Asian Games.

WR: What do you think helps make it possible for rowing to get going in Sri Lanka?
AM: I’m convinced that consistent support from FISA will create an independent and enthusiastic national rowing programme. The Rowing Federation and the Olympic Committee have shown enthusiasm and motivation.

WR: Tell us of an interesting experience that you have had so far?
AM: I’ve been working mainly with all the rowing coaches in Sri Lanka during the level 1 and Level 2 course. I found in a short space of time the coaches began to work more collaboratively together with enthusiasm and passion off and on the water.  This in turn was well received by the athletes whose trust towards their coaches grew.

WR: Is there anything that you would like to add?
AM: Sri Lanka is a small rowing country but with a big heart and lots of dreams. The country is located in a great geographical position for the further growth of rowing.