Margarita Kite School achieved a groundbreaking milestone in Sri Lanka’s sports and tourism sectors by certifying four new instructor candidates through its International Kiteboarding Organisation (IKO) certification program. Among the graduates who completed the intensive training was 21-year-old Sehanthi Binanga, who made history by becoming Sri Lanka’s very first local female IKO-certified kitesurf instructor.
Co-founder of Margarita Kite School and IKO Assistant Examiner Eusebi Laudes emphasized the importance of the accomplishment, noting that kitesurfing has traditionally been a male-dominated sport across the island. Laudes highlighted that introducing a local female instructor sends a strong message of inclusivity, proving that high-skill careers in water sports, coaching, and hospitality are open to everyone. He reinforced that as the world’s leading training and certification body, the IKO prioritizes rigorous safety standards and efficient teaching methods to create a secure, professional environment for all students.
Highlighting Kalpitiya’s standing as a world-class kitesurfing hub, IKO Examiner Guido Ruzzenenti pointed out that the region offers the ultimate conditions for rider progression: consistent wind, shallow flat waters, and a massive lagoon system. Ruzzenenti noted that kitesurfing functions as a powerful economic catalyst for Sri Lanka’s broader tourism industry, generating interconnected benefits for local hospitality, dining, and transport services that support the surrounding community.
Reflecting on her journey, Binanga shared that her passion for the sport was first ignited two years ago through her uncle from Spain. Having competed in various sports throughout her school years, she persevered through every challenge during her training to serve as a role model for other young Sri Lankan women. Expressing deep gratitude to her uncle, Eusebi Laudes, and Guido Ruzzenenti, Binanga voiced her hope that her achievement will inspire many more local women to join the sport and pursue professional careers in tourism.
