Powerboat racing in Sri Lanka

by Ranjan Anandappa

POWERBOAT RACING: Water sports lovers in Sri Lanka will get the opportunity to witness Formula 1 Powerboat Racing in the near future as the newly formed Lanka Powerboat Association, now a member of the UIM (Union Internationale Motonautique), which is the world body will launch the opening of their newest branch in Sri Lanka on October 28 at Cinnamon Lakeside.

The sport is a relatively new one for the Islanders. But Sri Lanka being surrounded with water ,should find this new sports gathering popularity like any other water sport in the Island.

The Governing Body (UIM) for the sport has found Sri Lanka as the ideal destination ahead of many other countries in the sub-continent for the water sport and the Bolgoda Lake has been picked as the best location.

With the introduction of the sport, the country's tourism should get a tremendous boost.

The local boat builders too will be benefited with the increasing demand for the locally manufactured boats.

Upul de Zoyza, the secretary of the Lanka Powerboat Association said that it is a great opportunity for water sport lovers in the Island as the launch of a branch of the World Governing Body of the sport (UIM) in Sri Lanka, will be formed which invariably will be an introduction for Formula 1 Boat Racing in the country.

"UIM is the world body for power boat racing like the ICC for cricket. We are the 21st member worldwide.

On the opening day we are hoping to achieve a few things. One is to enhance the awareness of Formula 1 racing in Sri Lanka, and get members into the association and set up a calendar according the UIM around the world they have their own calendar events.Sri Lanka is the newest member and now we are looking to be a part of that big world family and have Formula 1 events in Sri Lanka. We are hoping to have at least one or two Formula Races in Sri Lanka", High ranking officials said.

The members of the Sri Lanka Powerboat Association are Prasanna Ranaweera (President).

Upul de Zoysa (General secretary). Chandrishan Perera (Media Director ) Ruani Wickremasekera (Chief Event Coordinator).

More information could be obtained by contacting Prasanna Ranaweera (077-3888177) or Ruani Wickremasekera (077-7486699).