Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, stated that the government’s vision to transform Sri Lanka into a world-class water sports hub, speaking at the conclusion of the 2025 National Surfing Competition held in Hikkaduwa.
The championship, organized by the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka (SFSL), took place from 15-17 January 2026, at the Hikkaduwa Main Point. Organizers had postponed the event due to adverse weather conditions last year, deciding to conduct it at the beginning of this year.
Addressing the closing ceremony, Minister Gamage stated that the Ministry is committed to providing continuous financial and technical support to develop surfing in Sri Lanka.
He emphasized that full sponsorship will be provided for international training programs and upcoming world-class competitions for two young surfers who showcased exceptional talent during the tournament.
He further highlighted that several international-level surfing competitions will be organized in 2026 in collaboration with the SFSL to promote sports tourism.
“Surfing is not just a hobby; it is a major national sport capable of achieving numerous international victories,” the Minister remarked, adding that the Ministry is ready to provide the necessary support to elevate Sri Lankan athletes to a global standard.
Weligama and Mambos Surfing Clubs delivered outstanding performances during the event, and based on these results, the Sri Lankan squad for the Asian Games in Japan in August 2026 will be selected.
Final Results:
- National Men: 1st: Lakshitha Madushan (Weligama), 2nd: Lesitha Prabath (Arugam Bay), 3rd: Kanapathy Ramesh Jay Hayllar (Arugam Bay), 4th: Sachin Sandharu Tharaka (Weligama)
- National Women: 1st: Anantharasa Ammu Jansee (Arugam Bay), 2nd: Uswaththage Senuri Madhushani (Weligama), 3rd: Ishi Mosha Rajapaksha (Weligama)
- Junior Boys (U-18): 1st: Minami Sato (Mambos), 2nd: Ashen Ravishka (Weligama), 3rd: Sahil Anjana (Mambos)
- Junior Boys (U-15): 1st: Methuja Methsara (Weligama), 2nd: Pawan Madusanka (Weligama), 3rd: Theo Amier (Weligama)
- Junior Girls: 1st: Sayuni Anjana M.D. (Mambos)
Open Divisions (International):
- Open Men: 1st: Kanapathy Ramesh Jay Hayllar (SL), 2nd: Lakshitha Madushan (SL), 3rd: Keller Weight (Australia)
- Open Women: 1st: Crystal Jade Davies (Australia), 2nd: Anna Tikhonova (Russia), 3rd: Anna Wotton (England)
- Open Masters: 1st: Dan Walton (Australia), 2nd: Sergio Martins (Portugal), 3rd: Troy Ferry (France)
- Open Girls: 1st: Zoe Jaron (Switzerland), 2nd: Grace Antoni (Germany), 3rd: Sayuni Anjana M.D. (SL)
The Ministry has pledged full support to ensure Sri Lanka’s surfers gain international recognition, while the SFSL continues to strengthen the sport’s role in sports tourism. (Newswire)
