Gateway expands fleet to further strengthen its Rowing Programme
View(s):Manufactured by Falcon Racing, an internationally recognised brand with a direct partnership with the Asian Rowing Federation and the official supplier for the Asian Rowing Championships, these boats bring world-class technology and performance standards to school rowing in Sri Lanka.
Commissioning of the new Single Scull - Gladiator by the Principal, Head of Sports and the Captain
Rowing was introduced at Gateway College as a competitive school sport in 2012, adding to an already rich sporting programme spanning over 12 disciplines. Although relatively new at the time, rowing immediately attracted strong interest from both boys and girls across age groups. Recognising this enthusiasm and long-term potential, the school made a bold and forward-looking commitment to the sport.
In 2013, Gateway College officially launched its first fleet of rowing boats at the Colombo Rowing Club, marking the beginning of a journey filled with promise. The inaugural fleet included two fours convertible to quadruple sculls, two pairs convertible to double sculls, two single sculls, two Concept2 ergometer machines, 14 sweep oars and 12 sculls from Croker Australia—the brand that dominated medal tallies at the London Olympics—as well as a coaching and umpiring launch, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Sri Lanka at the time. Each boat was given a name inspired by legendary vessels of history—‘Victory’, ‘Invincible’, ‘Challenger’, ‘Endeavour’, ‘Yamato’, and ‘Mayflower’—symbolising strength, resilience, and ambition. Over the years, the fleet expanded further with the addition of two WinTech boats: a single scull and a convertible double pair.
Gateway rowers train in classical rowing at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre, Sri Lanka’s only artificial two-kilometre rowing course and the official venue for all National Indoor and Classical Rowing Championships conducted under the Sri Lanka Rowing Federation. Training alongside elite national athletes has enabled Gateway rowers to develop technical excellence and competitive resilience from an early age.
From 2020 onwards, Gateway athletes have featured consistently on national podiums across multiple age categories. At the 2025 National Rowing Championships, Gateway delivered one of its finest performances to date, securing multiple gold medals across school, junior, and mixed events, highlighted by the prestigious Best Junior Girls Sculler Award.
Gateway's fleet of boats
Gateway’s impact extends well beyond podium finishes. Over the past three years, four Gateway athletes have represented Sri Lanka internationally, three were selected to the Junior National Pool, one joined the Junior Development Pool, four additional athletes were named to the Talent Development Pool, and one qualified for the Asian Junior Rowing Championships 2024 in China.
These achievements reflect not only individual talent, but also the quality of coaching, facilities, and institutional support underpinning the programme. Through sustained investment, visionary leadership, and unwavering belief in its athletes, Gateway College continues to play a decisive role in accelerating the growth of rowing in Sri Lanka—particularly at school level.
With a world-class fleet, cutting-edge equipment, national and international representation, and a steadily growing medal tally, the future of Gateway Rowing has never looked stronger. As the oars dip into the water and the boats surge forward, one thing is certain—Gateway Rowing is not merely keeping pace—it is leading the way.
Commissioning of the new quad-four convertible - Dreadnought by the Directorate
The New Quad-Four Convertible