Madushan and Anantharasa surfing champions

Open women’s champions Crystal Jade Davies (centre), Anna Tikhonova (right) and Anna Wotton (left) 

 National men’s champions Lakshitha Madushan (centre), Lesitha Prabath (right) and Kanapathy Ramesh Jay Hayllar (left)

By Susil Premalal

Lakshitha Madushan of the Weligama Sports Club and Anantharasa Ammu Jansee of the Arugam Bay Sports Club became the men’s and women’s champions respectively at the National Surfing Championship at the Hikkaduwa Main Point.

The championship was organised by the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka (SFSL) and brought together the country’s top surfers across multiple age groups and divisions. Due to adverse weather conditions experienced across the island late last year, the organisers decided to stage the national event at the beginning of this year.

In the National men’s event, Lakshitha Madushan claimed the championship title with an impressive performance while Lesitha Prabath and Kanapathy Ramesh Jay Hayllar, both from Arugam Bay secured the second and third places respectively. Sachin Sandharu Tharaka of Weligama finished fourth.

The National women’s title was won by Anantharasa Ammu Jansee of Arugam Bay while Uswaththage Senuri Madhushani and Ishi Mosha Rajapakse, both representing the Weligama Sports Club, finished second and third respectively.

In the junior categories, Minami Sato of Mambos Surfing Club won the Under-18 boys event, followed by Ashen Ravishka of Weligama and Sahil Anjana of Mambos finishing second and third.

The Under-15 boys’ title was claimed by Methuja Methsara of Weligama, with Pawan Madusanka and Theo Amier, also from Weligama, finishing second and third. The Junior girls’ title was won by Sayuni Anjana of Mambos.

The championship also featured Open international divisions attracting foreign competitors adding more flair to the event. In the Open men’s category, Sri Lankan surfer Kanapathy Ramesh Jay Hayllar claimed first place, followed by Lakshitha Madushan, while Keller Weight of Australia finished third. The Open women’s title was won by Crystal Jade Davies of Australia, with Anna Tikhonova of Russia and Anna Wotton of England placed second and third.

In the Open Masters division, Dan Walton of Australia emerged champion ahead of Sergio Martins of Portugal and Troy Ferry of France. The Open girls’ event was won by Zoe Jaron of Switzerland, followed by Grace Antoni of Germany while Sri Lanka’s Sayuni Anjana finished third.

Overall competitors from Weligama and Mambos Surfing Clubs produced outstanding performances throughout the championship. Based on the results, the Sri Lankan surfing squad for the 2026 Asian Games, scheduled to be held in Japan in August, will be selected according to officials.