On the eve of the biggest day of the Inter University Rowing calendar, The Daily Morning Sports caught up with the rowing crew of the University of Moratuwa. The “Mora” oarswomen and men have been making tremendous strides in the waters of the Beira, with many strong units upholding the fighting spirit in this exciting team-sporting principle. The Sri Lanka University Games, commonly known as SLUG, is equivalent to the Olympics of universities as it happens quadrennially (every 4 years), covering more than 20 sports, with 17 State Universities - spanning across the island - participating at various locations in the country.
The Beira Lake will come to life on Thursday (31) from as early as 6 in the morning, with the Rowing Champions of SLUG to be crowned at the Colombo Rowing Club later that evening.
The good news this time around is that the Colombo-and-Moratuwa-dominated waters will be tested, with the universities of Sabaragamuwa and Ruhuna entering the fray for the first time in the history of the island’s university rowing sphere, which will definitely add much more glamour and competition for a sport which has been yearning for greater rivalry.
“Leading up to the SLUG, how was the journey of your crew and who will be your toughest opponent?” we asked Moratuwa Women’s Crew Captain Pabodini Sinharage. She had this to say: “We won the Inter-University Championship last year and a silver medal at the Nationals in the Women’s A4. We have been preparing for this big day since our pre-season training from January. Definitely, the traditional rivals Colombo will be the toughest, and Mora is ready!”
Pabodini is also a University of Moratuwa and Sri Lanka Universities Colourswoman.
Tagged as favourites this time around, the Men’s Crew is led by Dumindu Perera, a senior campaigner donning Moratuwa and Sri Lanka Universities Colours. The Mora lads won the “Head of the Beira” Regatta after six years and had a close run in the prestigious centenary oar race which dates back to 1964.
“Our boys are really ready mentally and physically for this challenge as SLUG regatta is the key highlight, the ultimate, and the Holy Grail for us”, Perera said.
Skipper Perera also acknowledged and thanked all his opposing captains for maintaining the true values of the sport and wished them good luck.
In conclusion, the main motivator and guiding strength behind the Mora Crew, their assistant coach and former Captain Lakshan Dissanayake shared a few thoughts:
“I call the current bunch the ‘Redeemed Crew', as they are looking for redemption by reflecting on lessons learnt from the past, its glory, and ups and downs.
“The whole crew has written their hearts out as we have taught them at every training session to give out their best, and even right now at this moment, the whole Mora community is so proud of this immensely talented outfit. SLUG is just another day where we show who and what we are here at Mora,” Dissanayake said.
Currently, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura lead the overall points tally at the Sri Lanka University Games 2023, with Moratuwa inching close as second in line. Mora leads the tally in the women’s category, while they are currently placed second behind J’pura in the men’s tally.
Men's Crew
Naveen Hettiarachchi
Yasith Perera
Pamuditha Lakshan
Nidula Senaratna
Dinuwan Nishshanka
Chamith Dharmarathna
Adheeb Thowfeek
Dumindu Perera (Captain)
Budhwin Anuk
Theekshana Gunawardana
Dilhara Dissanayaka
Dilmith Wijesekara
Nimhan Rathnaweera
Women's Crew
Subhavi Perera
Nevanya Semage
Nilasi Balasuriya
Oneli Bandaranayake
Rashini Dias
Pabodini Sinharage (Captain)
Charuni Gunasinghe
Kasuni Wijeratne
Kalpani Kavindya