It’s all set for the 49th Royal-Thomian’ Regatta to crash the waters of the Beira Lake, this Saturday, the 27th of October 2018.
It all started in 1962 when the crews of both schools held a ‘Boat Race’ which was a single race rowed at the traditional Beira Lake for the coveted ‘Crossed Oars Trophy’. Later in 1966, it made it’s way to become the 3rd oldest rivalry, evolving into the Royal-Thomian regatta, as both teams battled out for the overall T. Noel Fernando Memorial Trophy.
The Royal-Thomian makes its mark in the history books as the oldest regatta in the schools’ community and the second oldest regatta in the island. The ‘Boat Race’ is still considered the most prestigious race of the regatta.
The regatta comprises of a total of 11 races, 8 of which add to the overall tally of 52 points. The races are rowed over a course of 1000 yards.
The points are awarded as follows;
| Race | Points |
| Senior Fours (A Four) | 12 Points |
| Junior Fours (B Four) | 8 Points |
| Junior B Fours (C Four) | |
| Senior Sculls (A Scull) | 6 Points |
| Junior Sculls (B Scull) | 2 Points |
| Senior Pairs (A Pair) | 8 Points |
| Junior Pairs (B Pair) | 4 Points |
| Senior Double Sculls (A Double Scull) | 8 Points |
| Junior Double Sculls (B Double Scull) | 4 Points |
The more successful out of the two has been S. Thomas’ College, with 23 wins under their belt as opposed to Royal’s 20 wins whilst 5 have ended in ties. However, showing dominance in the recent past, it has been the Royal crew who have taken the upper hand. After a convincing victory in 2015, the Royalists led by Kaveen Rajapakshe clinched the title, winning 50 points to 2 in 2016, and last year, Hashen Hettigoda and his crew managed to make it three in a row for Royal as they secured a 46 points to 6 victory.
This year, with the hopes of breaking Royal’s winning streak, the Thomian crew led by Meshach Peiris will look to bring back some silverware to Mount Lavinia after a drought of three years. The Thomian outfit has been molded together with the likes of senior rowers Ramesh Nithushan and Daniel Bartholomeosz. Sajin De Livera and Anuradha Nadaraja will head the coaching department and surely have a tough task ahead of them.
The S. Thomas’ College Rowing crew
| Name | Position | Age |
| Ashika Ratnaweera | Stroke | 15 |
| Avinash Rajaguru | Bow | 16 |
| Ramesh Nithushan | Bow | 19 |
| Niran Warawita | Bow | 16 |
| Abishek Nanayakkara | Stroke | 16 |
| Sinha Kurukulasooriya | Stroke | 18 |
| Daniel Bartholomeosz | Bow | 19 |
| Randev Wannakuwatte | Bow | 19 |
| Sawin Ananth | Bow | 15 |
| Caleb Fernando | Stroke | 15 |
| Shanara Senarathna | Stroke | 17 |
| Nehan Sithamparam | Stroke | 15 |
| Chahel Samarasinghe | Stroke | 18 |
| Ashan Walpola | cox | 17 |
| Shailendra Ahangama | Bow | 15 |
| Aritha Raddalgoda | Stroke | 16 |
| Meshach Peiris © | cox | 19 |
Royal on the other hand are fielding a fairly experienced team with over 5 crew members who have been a part of the past three teams. This year, Charin Wijethilake has been handed over the captaincy duties while Lasindu Gamage stands alongside him as his deputy. Speaking to ThePapare.com Charin stated that, “The goal is to continue the winning streak whilst also making way for the juniors to shine”. Mohammed Rifaz will head the coaching department as Royal look forward to making it four in a row.
Photo Album – S. Thomas’ College Rowing Crew 2018
The Royal College Rowing crew
| Name | Position | Age |
| Charin Wijethilake | Stroke | 19 |
| Sajjad Ajmal | Bow | 17 |
| Revaka Karunasundara | Cox | 19 |
| Jatu Rockwood | Stroke | 19 |
| Abdullah Hassan | Stroke | 19 |
| Thejiya Wegadapola | Stroke | 17 |
| Lasindu Gamage | Bow | 19 |
| Jehan Hapugalla | Bow | 18 |
| Yumin Perera | Stroke | 18 |
| Dinal Aluthgama | Stroke | 16 |
| Umar Mohideen | Bow | 18 |
| Malik Hassan | Bow | 16 |
| Gamidu Tennakoon | Stroke | 16 |
| Chaniru Hewamanne | Cox | 17 |
| Mayukha Gamage | Stroke | 17 |
| Deelaka Mahale | Bow | 17 |
| Vimodha Abeywardena | Cox | 16 |
| Venuk Rapakse | Stroke | 15 |
| Vinura Cooray | Bow | 15 |
| Minula Algoda | Stroke | 16 |
| Shamal Wijesiriwardana | Bow | 13 |
Photo Album – Royal College Rowing Crew 2018
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