The 2025 Dragon Boat Festival China–Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Championship was held recently in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The event was attended by Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Youth and Sports S.K. Gamage, and Rear Admiral H.N.S. Perera, President of the National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka. Awards were presented to the winners during the ceremony.
The event featured a variety of activities, including speeches from distinguished guests, an awards ceremony for the races, a dragon boat donation ceremony, Chinese cuisine, and cultural experiences related to the Dragon Boat Festival. As part of the occasion, the Chinese Embassy donated five 12-person international-standard dragon boats to the Sri Lankan Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The championship was jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, with support from the National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka.
The event reflected the deep enthusiasm for dragon boat racing among Sri Lankans of all ages and backgrounds, including members of the navy, army, and air force. A total of 24 teams competed in the finals, including two representing Chinese enterprises.
The regatta included several primary categories: Junior Boys and Girls, Open Men and Women, Masters Women, and Mixed. All races were held over the traditional 500-metre distance, showcasing not only strength but also the discipline and teamwork that define the sport.
In a notable first for the event, five teams from Jaffna—comprising 75 young athletes—participated, marking a significant milestone in regional engagement with national sporting events.
The Sri Lanka Navy team performed strongly, earning applause for their outstanding skills and teamwork. The Jaffna Youth Dragon Boat Team also excelled, travelling to Colombo specifically for the event. They achieved first place in the men’s category and second place in the women’s category.
The newly donated dragon boats, used for the first time during the competition, were a highlight of the event. Their arrival in Sri Lanka earlier in the week added excitement and vibrancy to the races, which continued into the evening.
Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong remarked:
“Today’s China–Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Race is a vivid reflection of the practical cooperation between our two countries. The coordination by Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports underscores the importance both sides place on youth and sports exchanges. The Sri Lanka Navy’s provision of a professional venue and logistical support ensured the races were held in a safe and professional setting.
As a Chinese saying goes, ‘When everyone rows together, the boat sails farther.’ The success of joint projects such as the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port is a testament to the spirit of ‘working together in the same boat.’ Meanwhile, the active participation and support of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce demonstrate the commitment of Chinese compatriots in Sri Lanka to integrating into local society and giving back. They are not only ambassadors of culture but also guardians of friendship.”
