The Royal Thomian Regatta is the annual rowing encounter between traditional school rivals Royal College, Colombo and S. Thomas' College, Mt Lavinia. Begun in 1962 as the Royal Thomian Boat Race it later evolved into a regatta in 1966 and now consists of eight events. It is among the oldest and most prestigious Royal-Thomian sporting encounters.
The races are rowed over a distance of 1000 yards and take place on the Beira Lake in Colombo. The regatta takes place in the month of October and is usually held on the last Saturday of the month at the Colombo Rowing Club. The Royal Thomian Regatta is the oldest inter-school rowing regatta in Sri Lanka, with Royal being the first school to take up school rowing in the country and S.Thomas' following suit a few years later.
The Boat Race is still regarded as the most prestigious race of the regatta and is rowed for the Royal Thomian Boat Race Trophy (also known in the rowing fraternity as the 'Crossed Oars'). The overall winner of the Regatta is awarded the T. Noel Fernando Memorial Trophy.
Boat Race 2003 close to the finish line S. Thomas'(nearside) win by 1/2 foot.
Royal College first began rowing in 1953 and was the first school in Ceylon to do so, the first Captain was Alavi Mohomed. S. Thomas' College began rowing a few years later. In the following years the idea of a race between the two schools was agreed upon and in 1962 the first Boat Race was held on the Beira Lake at the Colombo Rowing Club. The Royalist's led by L.A.W. Sirisena beat the Thomians led by C.N. Sirimanne by 1 boat length and were the first holders of the Boat Race Trophy. S. Thomas' won their first Boat Race in 1964 beating Royal by 3 lengths. S.Thomas' continued to win the Boat Race trophy for three years after creating the largest series of successive wins that was not beaten until Royal College won five boat races between 2015 and 2019.
In 1966, the first Royal Thomian Regatta was held with a line-up of 6 events namely the Coxed Fours, Coxed Pairs (rowed coxless in the present day), and Single Sculls in two senior and junior categories.
Between 1973 and 1979 the regatta was not held due to a dispute between the two schools. The series was revived in 1980 has continued to the present except in 2006 when the regatta was not held.
In 2007 the Royal College led by Maalik Aziz created history by winning all races and winning the Overall Trophy with a margin of 40 points to nil. Royal College created new record timings for most events including lowering the Boat Race Trophy record by 8 secs to 3 mins 11 secs.[1]
In 2008, history was written yet again with S.Thomas' returning the favour in kind in a hard-fought regatta of 32-8 resulting in every record being broken. S'Thomas' College led by Manil Salgadoe and Devaan Hallock made most of the records including the Boat race (3.06). Royal College managed to scrape in two records to stay in the count in the Junior Coxed Four (rowed for eight points ) and the exhibition Junior 'B' Four race (carries no points).[2]
In 2011, the Royal College Rowing Team led by skipper Chirath Karunanayake added a few more records into the books. Among the records set were; a) The biggest winning margin Royal 48-04 (2011) (subsequently broken in 2016 by Royal College) b) A new overall course record and the first ever sub-three minute race, for the Senior Four - 2:55 (Crew consisting of Chirath Karunanayake (B), Ajmal Sideek (2), Jehan Smarasekera (3), Sanjiva Jayasuriya (S) and coxed by Pasan Ranaweera) c) Junior Four - 3:03 d) Senior Pair - 3:12 e) Senior Sculls - 3:28 f) Junior Sculls - 3:29. S.Thomas' only managed to win the B double and the Junior 'B' four, the latter event carries no points.
In 2015, for the first time in the Royal Thomian history, both crews managed to clock below 3 minutes at the boat race. The crew timings were as follows: Royal College 2:56 (Praveen Hapugalle, Prathap Perera, Amrith Fernando, Sajid Ajmal (S), Kaveen Rajapakse) and S.Thomas' 2:57 (Senal Senevirathne, Suramba Serasinghe, Ramith Nanayakkara, Saliya Gunasekera (S), Wishmitha Peiris).
In 2016, the highest number of trophies won in a regatta was achieved by Royal College led by Kaveen Rajapakse with a new tally of 50–02. S.Thomas' only secured the Junior Scull race worth two points that year. Currently this is the highest margin of victory in the Royal Thomian Regatta history.
In 2019, The Royal Thomian Regatta celebrated its Golden Jubilee event and was attended by a host of past captains and many well wishers. The Royal College Rowing Crew captained by Sajaad Ajmal was able to retain both T.N. Fernando Memorial Trophy and Boat Race trophies for the 5th year in a row which was the first time either institutions achieved this feat. In another first, the Most Outstanding Oarsman trophy was shared by four oarsmen Sajaad Ajmal, Jehan Hapugalle, Mayukha Gamage & Maliq Hassen each contributing in events worth 20 points in favour of Royal College.
The regatta was not held in 2020 and 2021 owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, after a lapse of five defeats STC headed by skipper Arritha Raddalagoda defeated RC by 42 to 10 points. STC won all races except the Senior Scull, Junior Double Scull. The boat race was won by circa 4 lengths on RC. 42 to 10 is the largest margine of victory for the Thomian Crew. Arittha Raddalgoda was deemed the Most Outstanding Oarsman for the year. The A pair record was subsequently broken by Ayuka Amarasekara, with a new record of 3.11.
In 2023, The Thomian Crew emerged victorious under the leadership of Captain Chevon Perera, with a score of 30 to 22. Ayuka Amerasekara and Sahin Dayabaran managed to break the previously set record for the Senior Pair event, the new record is 3.09.Sarith Abeysirigunawardene and Newan Perera broke the Senior Double scull record, now set at 3.04. The Junior Pair record was broken by Jayden Jayasekara and Thevinu Weligepolage, the record is now set at 3.17. Ayuka Amarasekara was the Most Outstanding Oarsman of the year.
In 2024, the Royal-Thomian Rowing Regatta saw Royal College secure a historic victory over S. Thomas’ College with a score of 44-8, reclaiming the title after a two-year gap. Under the leadership of Newan Perera and Vice Captain Jayden Jayasekara, Royal’s crew excelled across the events, culminating in a decisive triumph.
The competition began with S. Thomas' College taking an early lead by winning the ‘A’ Scull event, earning six points and establishing a 6-0 advantage. Royal College turned the tide in the second event, winning the A Pair in a stunning finish and regaining the lead with a score of 8-6. S. Thomas' followed with a win in the ‘B’ Scull, tying the score at 8-8. However, Royal College dominated the remainder of the day, winning all the remaining races. Their strong performance culminated in the prestigious Boat Race, where they triumphed in the ‘A’ Four event, securing the maximum 12 points and ultimately achieving a total score of 44-8. This resounding victory underscored Royal College's prowess in school rowing and solidified their legacy in the long-standing rivalry with S. Thomas' College. Saadh Ajmal and Thevinu Weligepolage were awarded the Most Outstanding Oarsmen of the year.
Race Format
All Races are rowed over the distance of 1000 yards on the Beira Lake course.
Each event has specific number of points allotted towards it the aggregate points is equal 40 points (up to 2008), the winner of the each event/race receives these points and at the end of the regatta the school with the highest aggregate of points will be declared the Overall Winner and be the holders of the T. Noel Fernando Trophy.
Event
Notation
Points
Trophy
Boat Race
A4+
12
Royal Thomian Boat Race Trophy
Senior Coxless Pairs
A2-
8
Freddie Ruax Trophy
Senior Double Sculls
A2x
8
Inaugural Trophy (Sirisena-Sirimanne Trophy)
Senior Single Sculls
A1x
6
Senior Sculls Challenge Trophy
Junior Coxed Fours
B4+
8
Eraj Wijesinghe Trophy
Junior Coxless Pairs
B2-
4
Chula Samarasinghe Challenge Trophy
Junior Double Sculls
B2x
4
Revival Trophy (Phillps- Moheed Trophy)
Junior Single Sculls
B1x
2
Ajith Goonawardena Challenge Trophy
In 1999, The Junior 'B' Coxed Fours was introduced but the event carries no points.
Junior 'B' Coxed Fours
C4+
None
Percy Fernando Trophy
In 2008, Senior and Junior Double Sculls were introduced as exhibition events. In 2009 Senior and Junior Double Sculls were awarded 8 and 4 points respectively, with the inclusion of the two doubles sculls the overall points tally was made to carry 52 points. In 2010 an Under 16 Fours event was added on the programme as an exhibition race.
Records
Boat Race
School
Wins
Royal
25
S. Thomas
28
Year
Winner
Time
Royal Wins
S. Thomas' Wins
Boat and Class
Overall Winner
1962
Royal
3:35
1
0
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1963
Royal
4:04.5
2
0
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1964
S. Thomas
3:45.5
2
1
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1965
S. Thomas
3:55.8
2
2
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
S. Thomas
1966
S. Thomas
3:55
2
3
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1967
S. Thomas
3:55
2
4
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1968
Royal
3:47
3
4
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1969
Royal
3:56.5
4
4
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1970
Royal
3:48.8
5
4
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1971
S. Thomas
3:52.5
5
5
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
S. Thomas
1972
Royal
3:47
6
5
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1973–1979
Regatta not held
1980
S. Thomas
6
6
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1981
Royal
3:49
7
6
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1982
Royal
3:47
8
6
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1983
S. Thomas
3:40
8
7
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1984
S. Thomas
3:47
8
8
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1985
Royal
3:40
9
8
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1986
S. Thomas
3:29
9
9
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1987
Royal
3:38
10
9
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
1988
Royal
3:40
11
9
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1989
S. Thomas
3:58
11
10
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
S. Thomas
1990
Royal
3:37
12
10
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1991
S. Thomas
3:37
12
11
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
S. Thomas
1992
Royal
3:32
13
11
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1993
Royal
3:35.4
14
11
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Tie
1994
S. Thomas
3:42
14
12
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
S. Thomas
1995
S. Thomas
3:38
14
13
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
S. Thomas
1996
S. Thomas
3:38
14
14
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1997
S. Thomas
3:32
14
15
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
S. Thomas
1998
Royal
3:39
15
15
Clinker Fours/Training-Wooden
Royal
1999
S. Thomas
3:21
15
16
Empacher Fours/Racing-Wooden
S. Thomas
2000
Royal
3:20
16
16
Empacher Fours/Racing-Wooden
S. Thomas
2001
Royal
3:22
17
16
Empacher Fours/Racing-Wooden
S. Thomas
October 26, 2002
S. Thomas
3:21
17
17
Empacher Fours/Racing-Wooden
S. Thomas
October 25, 2003
S. Thomas
3:26
17
18
Empacher Fours/Racing-Wooden
Tie
October 30, 2004
S. Thomas
3:20
17
19
Empacher Fours/Racing-Wooden
S. Thomas
October 29, 2005
S. Thomas
3:19
17
20
Empacher Fours/Racing-Wooden
Tie
2006
Regatta not held
October 27, 2007
Royal
3:11
18
20
Club Racers/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
October 25, 2008
S. Thomas
3:06
18
21
Club Racers/Racing-Fiberglass
S. Thomas
October 24, 2009
S. Thomas
3:02
18
22
Club Racers/Racing-Fiberglass
S. Thomas
October 23, 2010
S. Thomas
3:07
18
23
Club Racers/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
October 22, 2011
Royal
2:55*
19
23
International/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
October 27, 2012
S. Thomas
3:04
19
24
International/Racing-Fiberglass
S. Thomas
October 26, 2013
S. Thomas
3:04
19
25
International/Racing-Fiberglass
S. Thomas
October 25, 2014
S. Thomas
3:03
19
26
International/Racing-Fiberglass
S. Thomas
October 24, 2015
Royal
2:56*
20
26
International/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
October 22, 2016
Royal
3:08
21
26
International/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
October 28, 2017
Royal
3:12
22
26
International/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
October 27, 2018
Royal
3:07
23
26
International/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
October 26, 2019
Royal
3:00
24
26
International/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
2020
Regatta not held
2021
Regatta not held
October 22, 2022
S. Thomas
3:10
24
27
International/Racing-Fiberglass
S. Thomas
October 21, 2023
S. Thomas
24
28
International/Racing-Fiberglass
S. Thomas
October 26, 2024
Royal
3:01
25
28
International/Racing-Fiberglass
Royal
Typical crowd at the Colombo Rowing Club during the Royal Thomian Regatta
Tally of Trophies
Event
Trophy
Royal College
S' Thomas' College
Tie
Boat Race
Boat Race Trophy
25
28
Junior Fours
Eraj Wijesinghe Trophy
23
19
Senior Pairs
Freddie Raux Trophy
23
12
Senior Sculls
Senior Sculls Challenge Trophy
13
19
01
Junior Pairs
Chula Samarasinghe Challenge Trophy
18
08
Junior Sculls
Ajith Goonawardena Challenge Trophy
09
16
Senior Double Sculls
Inaugural Trophy(Sirisena-Sirimanne Trophy)
09
05
Junior Double Sculls
Revival Trophy (Mohdeen-Phillips Trophy)
10
04
Junior B Fours
Percy Fernando Memorial Trophy
15
05
Royal (nearside) winning Junior Pairs 2007 with new record time.
Most Outstanding Oarsman of the Regatta
The Oarsman with highest individual aggregate of points at the end of the regatta is awarded the Most Outstanding Oarsman of the Regatta Trophy.
Vinuk Senaratne(B) Cayden Perera(2) Denver Deheregoda(3) Nithik Senaratne(S) Jordan Jansz(cox)
S. Thomas
*denotes series record
Won 3 or more Boat Races
S. Thomas'
C H L Sirimanne 1965,1966,1967
Isuru Perera 2002,2003,2004
Dejan De Zoysa 2002,2003,2004
Dineshka Aluwihare 2003,2004,2005
Anuradha Nadaraja 2012,2013,2014
Ramith Nanayakkara 2012,2013,2014
Kemil Peter (cox) 2012,2013,2014
Royal
E R Perera 1968,1969,1970
Percy Fernando 1969,1970,1972
Nalin Samarawickrama 1985,1987,1988
Prathap Perera 2015,2016,2017
M Sajaad Ajmal 2017,2018,2019
Trivia
The Boat Race Trophy once possessed a metal wreath around the oars that has since been lost.
Thomians Isuru Perera (2004), Dejan De Zoysa (2004), Sajeev De Silva (2010) have been awarded the 'Thomian Blue' for their outstanding contribution to Sri Lankan rowing, by representing the country and being placed at an international regatta while still in school.
Olympic medallist, Mahe Drysdale briefly visited the regatta in 2012.
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