Pinwatta Gems Managing Director Minula Algoda (right) hands over the sponsorship to Royal College Principal Athula Wijewardena. Members of the Royal College Rowing Advisory and Management Committee, Senior Games Master, Royal College Rowing Team Captain A.M.T.J. Yasaratne, and Vice-Captain are also present
Pinwatta Gems has announced its partnership with Royal College as the Gold Sponsor of the Royal College Rowing Team for 2026 and 2027, reaffirming the company’s commitment to nurturing youth development, sportsmanship, and a culture of excellence through sport.
The sponsorship will support the Royal College Rowing Boat Fund, contributing towards the acquisition and maintenance of rowing boats while also supporting the development of student athletes. The contribution will strengthen the team’s preparations for the upcoming season and provide greater opportunities for students to develop their skills, confidence, discipline, and teamwork through rowing.
The sponsorship was formally presented to Mr. Athula Wijewardena, Principal of Royal College, by Mr. Minula Algoda, Managing Director of Pinwatta Gems, a former Royalist and oarsman of the Royal College Rowing Team. His personal connection with both the College and the sport further underscores the significance of this partnership.
Royal College expressed its appreciation to Pinwatta Gems for partnering with the College and supporting the continued development of rowing among young athletes. Pinwatta Gems, in turn, expressed its pride in supporting a community that exemplifies the values of dedication, discipline, teamwork, and perseverance.
Royal College has a proud and distinguished history in rowing, having pioneered the sport in Sri Lanka with the formation of its rowing squad in 1953. The prestigious Royal-Thomian Regatta, the oldest inter-school rowing regatta in Sri Lanka, stands as a testament to the College’s longstanding commitment to developing rowing excellence.
The Royal College Rowing Team enters the 2026 season with renewed determination, strengthened by the valued support of Pinwatta Gems. Beyond supporting competitive rowing, the partnership represents a shared belief in the important role sport plays in developing well-rounded young individuals and preparing them for future success.
The partnership reflects Pinwatta Gems’ commitment to excellence and its belief in the transformative power of sport in shaping confident, disciplined, and resilient young individuals. Through its support of Royal College Rowing, the company continues to demonstrate its commitment to investing in the next generation and contributing to the growth of sporting culture in Sri Lanka.
Pinwatta Gems has been supporting Royal College Rowing over the past several years and intends to continue its support in the years ahead. This ongoing commitment reflects the company’s belief in nurturing young talent, encouraging sporting excellence, and contributing to the continued development of rowing at Royal College.
