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Perera, Tennekoon take U16 and U19 events at Bolgoda
By Mahangu Weerasinghe
The Bolgoda Sculling Regatta organized by the University of Moratuwa was held throughout the day yesterday on the Bolgoda Lake. Despite heavy rains towards evening, all races were completed, albeit a little behind schedule.

A handful of male teams and two female teams participated in the Regatta - the only one rowed over the FISA accepted 2000m distance in Sri Lanka. The venue is an important one for country as it houses the country's only international standard course and is thus a likely setting for next year's SAF Games rowing event as well.

D. Perera and J. Tennakoon of Royal College bagged the Boys Under 16 and the Under 19 events, while the Men's Intermediate category was taken by newcomers Sri Lanka Air Force, who registered a ten second win over the second placed Sri Lanka Navy.

In the Women's Open category, the only female event of the day, U. Atapattu of Musaeus College did well to overcome favourites Ladies College to win by a thirteen second lead. S. Thomas' College Mt. Lavinia and St. Joseph's College, both sculling giants, were noted absentees at this event.

The Regatta, which will hopefully become an annual event, can play a vital role in preparing Sri Lankan juniors for the international distance of 2000m. At present, most national regattas including the Sri Lanka Nationals are rowed over a distance of 1000m on the Beira Lake. Rowing coaches believe that the extended use of this 2000m course will help raise junior rowing standards in Sri Lanka.

Results -
Women's Open: Winner - U. Atapattu (Musaeus College) - 10:27
Boys under 16: Winner - D. Perera (Royal College) - 10:10
Boys Under 19: Winner - J. Tennakoone (Royal College) - 9:53
Men's Intermediate: Winner - C. Aloysious (Sri Lanka Air Force) - 8:59

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