Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta 2026 concludes in Trincomalee

The Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta 2026, organised for the sixth time by the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee, concluded on 22 August, with medals and trophies presented to the winners by Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Damian Fernando.

The four-day regatta was held from 19 to 22 August off Dutch Bay at the Trincomalee Naval Dockyard, with the support of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and the Yachting Association of Sri Lanka (YASL).

The competition was conducted under the supervision of YASL in two categories, the Cup Championship and the Open Championship. A total of 40 competitors, including officers and officer cadets representing naval academies from six countries, Italy, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, China and Sri Lanka as well as the Open Category, took part in the event.

Highlights of the regatta

ILCA 4 Category

1^st place - Muazzam Imtiaz (Sri Lanka)

2^nd place - Minuga Nimsira Hettigamage (Sri Lanka)

3^rd place - Kevaan De Costa (Sri Lanka)

ILCA 6 Category

1^st place - Fleet Chief Petty Officer PDDS Rajapaksha (Sri Lanka Navy)

2^nd place - Arianna Taalya Tranchell (Sri Lanka)

3^rd place - Lieutenant Commander Aman M Vyas (Indian Navy)

ILCA 7 Category

1^st place - Petty Officer UD Rajapaksha (Sri Lanka Navy)

2^nd place - Leading Seaman JS Senevirathna (Sri Lanka Navy)

3^rd place - Leading Seaman AMJP Aththanayake (Sri Lanka Navy)

Open Championship

1^st place - Fleet Chief Petty Officer PDDS Rajapaksha (Sri Lanka Navy)

2^nd place - Muazzam Imtiaz (Sri Lanka Navy)

3^rd place - Minuga Nimsira Hettigamage (Sri Lanka)

Addressing the closing ceremony after presenting the awards, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando congratulated all competitors representing the foreign naval academies and the Naval and Maritime Academy, as well as the winners, organisers and officials involved in the regatta.

The Commander of the Navy said the Navy aims to develop the event into an annual sporting attraction that extends beyond the waters of the Trincomalee Naval Dockyard and draws the interest of water-sports enthusiasts both locally and internationally. He added that the event could encourage more tourists to visit Sri Lanka to watch the regatta in the future.

He also highlighted the values developed through sport, including sportsmanship, teamwork, camaraderie and the ability to overcome challenges. The Commander expressed his appreciation to the Ministry of Defence, government and private institutions, associations, sponsors and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the successful conduct of the regatta.

The annual event is also intended to strengthen ties with foreign navies through sport, promote Sri Lanka's water-sports sector internationally and enhance the country's appeal as a tourism destination.

The closing ceremony was attended by diplomatic representatives, Trincomalee District Secretary Mrs. WGM Hemantha Kumara, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, senior and junior officers of the Eastern Naval Area, senior officers from participating foreign naval academies, members of YASL, members of the Sri Lanka Navy Sailing Pool and government officials from the Eastern Province.

Sirasa TV and News 1st served as the official media partners of the regatta, which was also supported by a number of institutional sponsors.