Connect with us

News

Breaking Waves: Arugam Bay’s Girls’ Surf Team Challenges Gender Norms in Sri Lanka

Published

on

Arugam Bay, a vibrant surf hub in Sri Lanka’s south-eastern Ampara district, has long been a magnet for international surfers and home to global surf competitions. Now, it’s making headlines for a groundbreaking movement led by a group of determined women challenging traditional gender roles and cultural norms.

Over the past decade, a local girls’ surf team has emerged as a beacon of change, proving that surfing is not just a sport but a powerful tool for empowerment. The journey began with WL Shamali Sanjaya, now 36, who was one of the first women from her coastal village to embrace surfing in 2011. Inspired by the encouragement of an American family residing in the area, Shamali took the plunge, defying societal expectations in a community where women were traditionally confined to household roles or academics.

“There was this perception that surfing was not suitable for women in our culture,” Shamali shared from Baby Surf Point, a popular spot for beginners. “Even within my family, there were initial objections. But my maternal grandmother stood by me. I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and I wasn’t afraid to stand my ground.”

Her fearless journey inspired other women from the Tamil and Sinhalese communities in the multi-ethnic district to pick up surfboards and ride the waves. By 2018, the growing interest led to the creation of the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, which became the first officially registered female surf club under the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

This milestone represents more than just sports—it’s a movement reshaping societal attitudes and showcasing the transformative power of surfing. As these women continue to conquer waves and stereotypes, they’re setting an example for future generations in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Arugam Bay’s surf story is no longer just about its world-class waves—it’s about breaking barriers and making history.

Source: The Hindu

Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Cricket

Chamudi Praboda to Lead Sri Lanka U19 Women on India Tour

Published

on

By

The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.

Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.

The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.

The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.

Continue Reading

Athletics

Rumesh Tharanga Reaches Historic World No. 3 Ranking

Published

on

By

Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga has achieved a remarkable milestone by climbing to World No. 3 in the latest global rankings, bringing pride and recognition to Sri Lankan athletics on the international stage.

Tharanga now holds 1,324 ranking points, placing him among the world’s elite javelin throwers. His rise to third place marks the highest-ever ranking achieved by a Sri Lankan male athlete in world athletics history, highlighting his dedication, hard work, and consistent performances over recent years.

The achievement is even more significant as Tharanga has become Asia’s highest-ranked javelin athlete, surpassing India’s celebrated thrower Neeraj Chopra. This accomplishment reflects the growing strength of Sri Lankan athletics and demonstrates the country’s ability to compete with the best athletes in the world.
Sports officials and fans across the island have welcomed the news with great enthusiasm.

Many view Tharanga’s success as an inspiration for young athletes who aspire to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage. His journey from a promising talent to one of the world’s top-ranked competitors showcases the rewards of perseverance and commitment to excellence.

His achievement stands as a proud moment for Sri Lanka and a significant chapter in the country’s sporting history.

Continue Reading

News

Dinara and Aahil Reach Finals at SSC ITF J30 Week 2

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka’s Dinara de Silva and Aahil Kaleel advanced to the girls’ and boys’ singles finals respectively at the ITF J30 Week 2 Junior Tennis Tournament being held at the SSC Courts from 2 to 8 June.

Dinara secured a dominant semifinal victory over the Maldives’ Karin Saizan, while Aahil battled through a tough three-set encounter against India’s Vivaan Mirdha to keep Sri Lankan hopes alive in the boys’ competition.

In the girls’ singles semifinals, Dinara produced an impressive display to defeat Karin Saizan 4-1, 4-0. Fellow Sri Lankan Yuhansa Peiris also booked her place in the final after overcoming India’s Aahida Singh 5-4, 4-0. Their victories set up an all-Sri Lankan championship clash.

The boys’ singles semifinals featured a thrilling contest between Aahil and Vivaan Mirdha. After winning the first set 4-2 and dropping the second 2-4, Aahil held his nerve to claim the match tie-break 10-7. In the other semifinal, India’s Shiok Chauhan defeated compatriot Punith Manchira 5-3, 4-2 to reach the final.

The girls’ final will see Dinara face Yuhansa, while Aahil will take on Chauhan in the boys’ title match.

Dinara enters the final in outstanding form, having won the Week 1 singles title. She also teamed up with Yuhansa to capture the Week 1 girls’ doubles championship. The tournament is particularly significant for Dinara as it marks her final ITF Junior tournament appearance on Sri Lankan soil before embarking on the next stage of her international tennis journey.

Continue Reading

Trending