Sports Today

THE NATIONAL SPORTS MAGAZINE OF SRI LANKA
Sports, The Life

March - April • 2016
Volume 02 • 6th Issue
www.sportstoday.lk
A GOLDEN AURA
MATHEW ABEYSINGHE
A golden aura of Asian records - an
Olympic medal dream and the
deriving of a national feeling of pride
being Sri Lankan stands out 19-year
INDOMITABLE
old Mathew Abeysinghe...
KANDY FAZIL MARIJA
THE GREATEST SHOW

IN NUWARA ELIYA
Wayne Wood
OLYMPIC DREAM
Rumeshika Rathnayake
DERRING DO
Nethmi Tharuki
website RS. 300 /=
ISSN 2362-065X
www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 1

C ONTENT
www.sportstoday.lk
The National Sports Magazine of Sri Lanka
MARCH - APRIL 2016 • VOLUME 02 • 06th ISSUE
18. ATHLETICS
40. WEIGHTLIFTING 68. DIVING
22. GYMNASTICS 106. CRICKET 28. RECREATION
08 32 62
RUGBY INTERVIEW CRICKET
SAGT Sponsorship Fusion to Evolve Rugby Format from St. Peter’s 2016
SL Women’s Rugby U-21 to 23 On a High Note
12 36 72
HORSE RACING TENNIS MOTOR RACING
Come and See The Greatest Teenage Ace Brothers Make
Show in Nuwara Eliya in the Pack Riding History
20 38 84
CRICKET HORSE RACING GENERAL
SPOTLIGHT Premadasa Riding School Anula Sports
Ford, Ford’s the Slogan! Being Horse Savvy! Champion Stuff
26 56 86
SPONSORSHIP RUGBY KUNG FU
JAT’s S. Thomas’ Police SC Bruce Lee
Attire Sponsorship Excellent Seek to Revive Fortunes Exhibition in Beijing
4 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

COVER
STORY
76 14 SPECIAL
STORY
From an injury limbo of A golden aura of Asian records -
watching his side from the an Olympic medal dream and the
benches of the second round
deriving of a national feeling of pride
of the League Championship
from a nasty collarbone being Sri Lankan stands out 19-year
fracture, to leading his side to old Mathew Abeysinghe. A trail
the Clifford Cup...... blazing 7-gold medal
46. CRICKET
52. ROWING
118. RUGBY 58. WEIGHTLIFTING
88 96 122
CRICKET INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS INTERVIEW
Dialog Powered Wycherley Creating an even Playing Field
Sri Lanka Cricketers Thumbs Up Upliftment of SLADA in 2015
90 98 128
INTERVIEW INTERVIEW BASKETBALL
Corporate Sector Players cager chief Faizal Deva
72% Hunched Forget Club Seeks Greener Pastures
92 102 132
GENERAL RUGBY WATER POLO
Goal Rings 7’s SL Rugby - Understanding the Yahan
Jhon Keells Netball - Football C’ship impact and Fascination !! A Role Model to Others
94 112 136
INTERVIEW RUGBY RECREATION
Maximising CR paint the town red, Free Zumba and
Productivity at SLC but fall short Medical Workshop

SPORTS TODAY Editorial
Long-term national sports planning

THE NATIONAL SPORTS MAGAZINE OF SRI LANKA
SPORTS TODAY mechanism required

CHIEF EDITORIAL CONSULTANT In an overall outlook of Sri Lankan sports and its advancement to the next curve of international
Dr. Edwin Ariyadasa
status being the bottom line scenario concern of the nation, getting the right mechanism in
BOARD OF EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS place which has been badly found wanting, should be the No.1 priority of the authorities.
Professor Patrick Ratnayake While the 2016 South Asian Games (SAG) in India showcased some champion athletes in
Professor H. D. Karunaratne what was Sri Lanka’s best performance in the Game’s history, the burning question of what
Professor Kayoko Kusumoto - Japan
has to be done to bridge the gap at that level to achieving Olympic standards was a major issue
Professor Ajantha Hapuarachchi
Dr. Praneeth Abeysundara that surfaced in the post-SAG analysis.
Dr. Tudor Weerasinghe
Many local as well as international experts feel that where Sri Lanka has failed has been the
EDITORIAL MANAGER
inability to have a proper mechanism in place to get athletes prepared to winning potential at
Srian Obeyesekere
major international meets. There was the United States qualified swimming coach, Manoj
WRITERS Abeysinghe who is on par with top international coaches, pointing out that where Sri Lanka
Dr. Edwin Ariyadasa failed was due to poor planning. Abeysinghe, who is the father and coach of the 7- gold medal
Srian Obeyesekere
Sajith Randeniya
winning SAG swimming record breaker, Mathew, put it plainly, “Planning and training has to
Grace Wickremasinghe commence at least 4 years ahead of an international meet for our athletes to reach winning
Kshalini Nonis potential.” This has not been happening. You cannot match international athletes by last
Len Maxwell moment planning. Look at the top countries like the US and Australia.
Dr. Asanga Wijeratne
Upali Ahangama
Tyrell Pieris MAKE USE OF EXPERTS LIKE MANOJ & MOTHILAL
Sonia Diaz There, planning and training begins several years in advance.” Another expert who shares the
Wendal Kelaart same views is top fitness trainer Mothilal Jayathileke. Jayathileke, who is South African
Yureshya Perera
Flamingo Day
qualified in the most modern methods of getting athletes in shape, points out that our sports
Sunil Fernando hinges only on the short term, and that a well planned long term program would produce
Priyantha Dissanayake Olympic potentiality. His son, Ransilu achieved Asian and Commonwealth gold medal fame
Chris De Zilva recently. The skill of people like Manoj Abeysinghe and Mothilal Jayathilake could be utilised
ASSISTANT EDITORS
to shaping the long term planning while allowing the coaches to do their job. Manoj’s services
Kusumachandra Arangala as a top flight swimming coach too should be utilised while Mothilal does pack excellent
credentials to drive the technical side of fitness too.
ART DIRECTOR
Professor Patrick Ratnayake
Indeed, the wakeup call for Sri Lanka to get its act together cannot come at a better time than
VISUALIZING AND LAYOUT when so many athletes have performed admirably at the 2016 SAG, and there is a keen and
I. M. Amaan youthful Sports Minister, Dayasiri Jayasekera who has displayed the traits of going and
A. Sajith Pieris assessing things personally and getting things done. In this found wanting national apparatus,
PHOTOGRAPHY where a big shakeup for the better is the need of the hour, minister Jayasekera’s arrival to head
Shan Nisansala the country’s sports, it seems, is timely. The experts have stated what has to be done, and there
K. D. Bilesh Samantha is a big expectancy that the sports minister would take the right measures to importantly set
Janaka Kandanarachchi up a national mechanism of having promising athletes brought under a long-term training
DIRECTOR BRANDS & PROMOTION program.
S. C. P. Gunawardena
TEST CRICKET
MARKETING & SALES
Literally, this dictum should apply to all sports including the national cricket and rugby
Gihani Weerasinghe
football. The recent decline of the Sri Lanka cricket team is a matter of concern, and remedial
PRINTING, PUBLISHING & DISTRIBUTING measures to put back on track to reclaiming the international status Sri Lanka once enjoyed in
one-day cricket is paramount. On the Test cricket front, the backward tumble is regrettable at
a juncture when Sri Lanka should have been on the next phase of further evolving its 5-day
Creative Media Corporation (Pvt) Limited. cricket to fusion. That this magical mark remains a far cry is lamentable in a scenario where
P.O. Box 114, Battaramulla. Sri Lanka has still not won a Test match in Australia not to speak of a series, and a series in
TELE : 011 278 5878 / 011 573 0555 India. It reflects that huge disparity between Sri Lanka and the super nations in test cricket.
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E-mail : sportstodaysrilanka@gmail.com
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Contents in the magazine by guest writers are their own constructions and solely their views.
Some photographs contained in the magazine are by courtesy of the original authorities of the respective
products for which we thank them.

Corporate Sponsors SPORTS ENTITIES
Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation
Sri Lanka Cricket
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Sri Lanka Athletic Association
Sri Lanka Football Federation
Sri Lanka Tennis Association
Sri Lanka Badminton Association
Sri Lanka Golf Association
Sri Lanka Wushu Federation
Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union
Sri Lanka Netball Federation
Sri Lanka Squash Federation
Sri Lanka Basketball Federation
Sri Lanka Automobile Association
Sri Lanka Table Tennis Association
Sri Lanka Softball Cricket Federation
Sri Lanka Karate Do Federation
Sri Lanka Rifle Shooting Association
Cycling Federation of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Body Building Federation
Sri Lanka Weightlifting Federation
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Sri Lanka Life Saving Association
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National Federation of Sports for The Disabled
Sri Lanka Throw ball Association
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Sri Lanka Equestrian Federation
Sri Lanka Handball Federation
Sri Lanka Tug - of - War Federation
Sri Lanka Traditional karate Do Federation
National Shooting Sports Federation
National Association of Fencing Sri Lanka

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
SAGT Sponsorship
Fusion to SL Women’s Rugby
SAGT – South Asia Gateway Terminals, best women’s rugby players onto the as a regional powerhouse successively
in fulfilling a national obligation as international stage.” winning the plate championship in 2013
the playmaker sponsor driving the Sri and 2014.
Lanka women’s rugby team, recently The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union
hosted the team, coach and other (SLRFU) was also there to mark its CONCENTRATED NATIONAL DRIVE
support staff to dinner at the Colombo appreciation of SAGT for its role in
Swimming Club. empowering women’s rugby in the country. While the current national team
“We are delighted to have SAGT on board. primarily consists of representatives
The company of course, is no stranger from the Forces, the national drive
Ted Muttiah, SAGT’s Chief in their support of rugby in Sri Lanka. to promote women’s rugby is being
Commercial Officer echoed the Thanks to SAGT, the Sri Lanka women’s done from the grass roots. The gamut
company’s commitment to supporting rugby team can take their place on the envisages over 20 schools teams and
the SL team saying, “Women in rugby, international stage.” said an SLRFU official. 12 clubs with registered women’s
just as women in our industry – the rugby teams aimed at further evolving
maritime industry, have been trailblazers Women’s rugby in Sri Lanka dating back the sport among women. Towards this
in a traditionally male dominated arena. to the 1970’s, saw Sri Lanka start in style end, the SLRFU has already secured
Gender diversity continues to present winning its first international competition the services of a full time international
enormous unrealised potential for just in 2000 against the visiting Griffins from women’s rugby development manager
about any industry, and indeed sport. USA. Ever since, the Sri Lanka women’s with a mandate to build a sustainable
Team SAGT is very pleased to partner 7’s team has been a regular participant at the development structure to take the game
with the SLRFU in taking Sri Lanka’s Asian 7s circuit, and continues to emerge island wide.

S outh Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) the first private
stevedoring company in Sri Lanka commenced
operations in 1999, launching the Port of Colombo
as global trade’s eminent gateway hub to South Asia.
Today, the terminal is one of three operators in the Port
of Colombo and continues to offer the international
container shipping community a competitive best in
class service. The terminal was recently rated number 1
in South Asia and number 4 in the world for Terminal
Productivity by the Journal of Commerce (JOC) USA.
SAGT is a Board of Investment company consisting
of four shareholders – John Keells Holdings, APM
Terminals, SLPA and Peony investments (subsidiary of
Evergreen Marine Corporation).

SPORTS TODAY Rugby

SPORTS TODAY Horse Racing
’’ Mr. Wayne Wood, Dramatic increase in prize money
who is the Chief Thanks to local and overseas sponsors
Executive Officer, there has been a dramatic increase in
Come and See and Chairman prize money with the feature event on
March 20th being the R.T.C. Premier
of Stipendiary Cup carrying a total of SLRs 585,000
Stewards for plus a cup. The club will distribute prize
the greatest show in the Royal Turf
Club, said, “I
money to 5th place giving the majority
of owners the opportunity to offset their
NUWARA ELIYA
costs. These along with permitting 10
am relishing individuals to have a share in a racehorse
the challenge are tremendous innovations by the club to
assist anyone wishing to become involved
of bringing making thoroughbred racing in Sri Lanka
professionalism to the “Sport for the People”
the horse racing
The Royal Turf Club has set down the
industry in Sri following race dates for 2016:-
Lanka.
’’ Sunday 20th March, 2016
Sunday 10th April, 2016
Saturday 16th April, 2016
Saturday 23rd April, 2016
Saturday 30th April, 2016
Saturday 6th August, 2016
Saturday 20th August, 2016
Sunday 11th September, 2016
Saturday17th September, 2016
Sunday 16th October, 2016
Sunday 13th November, 2016
Sunday11th December, 2016
During this year additional race days may

be added at the club’s discretion taking
into consideration the condition of the
track.
T
he Royal Turf Club Nuwara Repaired and repainted Locals are saying that they have never
Eliya are preparing to stage grandstands seen the racing surface in such good
their inaugural race meeting condition, this has been confirmed by
on the 20th March 2016 at the renovated The club has repaired and repainted the local jockeys who are working their
Nuwara Eliya racecourse continuing the original grandstands renovating them to mounts on the grass track.
horse racing tradition started by Mr. John include areas for the sponsors, invited
Baker when in the 1840s he created a guests and the members as well as the Inaugural race meeting
training course for his imported English main office and washrooms.
thoroughbreds on a hill close to his home. The inaugural race meeting at Nuwara
A new saddling area is under Eliya was held in 1875 and was organised
The Club has a strong desire to return construction and work is in progress on by the Nuwara Eliya Gymkhana Club.
racing to its golden days when ladies the jockey and stewards rooms, which These meetings carried on intermittently
in their finery and gentlemen paraded will be the envy of some overseas race until 1900 when the current race course
around the grounds of this most clubs. was laid out.
picturesque racecourse. Although
dressing up may not be everybody’s cup The Club has designed a new entrance In 1910, in a meeting presided over
of tea everyone is more than welcome and a beautification of the area will by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Henry
to come to the Nuwara Eliya racecourse. also be carried out planting numerous Edward McCallum (1852–1919), it
Here adult and child alike can watch the flowering plants and shrubs. was resolved that the Colombo-based
spectacle of equines straining each and The Club has not forgotten the Ceylon Turf Club would be in a better
every muscle like the finely tuned athletes proprietors of the local pony ride position to manage the Nuwara Eliya
they are and being urged along by their industry as plans are underway to erect racecourse. The Royal Turf Club has left
riders to reach the finishing line first in a shelters and a walking path for the the emblem of the Ceylon Turf Club on
test of strength and stamina. ponies. the grandstand in respect for the history

and tradition of this great sport. Horse Breaker, Assistant Trainer and Stipendiary
racing in Sri Lanka peaked in the 1950s. In Steward. These men have been around the
1956 horse racing was banned in Sri Lanka block and back again. There would not be
with the historic Colombo Racecourse in many tricks in the book that they would not
Cinnamon Gardens, Colombo together with know about, so horse racing in Sri Lanka is
the Nuwara Eliya course both closing. The in good hands.
Colombo Racecourse was subsequently
converted into an international rugby venue, Relishing
so when horse racing returned to Sri Lanka
in 1981the Nuwara Eliya Race Course Mr. Wood, who is also the Chief Executive
became the only surviving race track in the Officer said, “I am relishing the challenge
country. of bringing professionalism to the horse
racing industry in Sri Lanka. My Committee
Nuwara Eliya Racecourse is the only are very enthusiastic and with the support
remaining horse racing venue in Sri Lanka. of Owners, Trainers, Jockeys and lovers of
The track has a circumference of 1,723 horse racing we will make Nuwara Eliya
metres, with a 333-metre straight. the must go to horse racing area in Asia.
Attracting people from around the world
One of the highest in the world to watch professional horse racing under
the control of the newest race club in the
Situated 1,868 metres (6,129 ft) above sea world. This rejuvenated racecourse will be
level the racecourse is one of the highest in a tremendous attraction for sports tourism
the world. Thus the Royal Turf Club has the in Sri Lanka, also for employment in the
motto “Horse Racing at the Highest Level” Nuwara Eliya district.”
– this does not only refer to the altitude, but
also to the club’s vision of integrity in horse “I can say that I would be the only
racing when the Committee appointed two Stipendiary Steward in the world who
professional racing Stipendiary Stewards in was the Chairman of the largest racing
Wayne Wood and Sinclair Marshall. district in area, that is Western Australia
and now the highest racecourse in the
Both these gentlemen have been involved world.”
Wayne Wood pictured with Sinclair
in thoroughbred racing all their lives in one Marshall. The duo were appointed two
form or another from stable lad, jockey,
Racing Manager, Owner, Starter, Judge,
Handicapper, Riding Instructor, Horse
The Committee and members of Royal Turf
Club look forward to seeing you on the 20th
March, 2016 to see history in the making.
’’
professional racing Stipendiary Stewards
by Royal Turf Club Nuwara Eliya.
The Club has a

strong desire to
return racing to
its golden days
when ladies
in their finery
and gentlemen
paraded around
the grounds of this
most picturesque
FLASHBACK: Horseracing at its best at the Nuwara Eliya racecourse. Racecourse.
’’
The Nuwara Eliya Racecourse all spruced up.

SPORTS TODAY Swimming
By Srian Obeyesekere
A
golden aura of Asian schooled and trained in America from
records - an Olympic medal Manoj’s marriage to Lawrence Anne
dream and the deriving whom he met in Ohio, spurred Mathew
of a national feeling of pride being on. As Manoj points out, “I’m from
Sri Lankan, stands out 19-year old deep South Matara. These 7 medals
Mathew Abeysinghe. A trail blazing would not be possible if not for him
7-gold medal ascension to Asia’s best (pointing at Mathew).” Mathew adds
swimmer in smashing a 25-year old the wine to it saying, “I’m a proud Sri
Sri Lankan record of Julian Bolling’s Lankan to win so many medals. I value
5 gold medals at the 2016 South Asian it a lot.”
Games; brushing aside the Asian
might of India’s freestyle champion In a so happens story of a young Sri
Virdhawal Vikram Khade of whom he Lankan who left in search of greener
says, “He was my goal”! pastures where Manoj lived in the US a
good part of his life, and looking back
If this is the summary epitaph of a says, ‘I’ve lived in the US 20 years
Mathew Abeysinghe
swimming career that took off as and my boys Mathew and Andrew an Olympic medal after Duncan White
a 4-year old kid from the United have swum with alien US athletes and Susanthika Jayasinghe, and to be
States where he was born in which and well used to beating Americans the first in swimming,” muses Mathew
Mathew exults, that his ultimate but encountered open hostility in my to SPORTS TODAY at the CR & FC
Olympic dream is triggered with native country’, is sadly a reflection of poolside, a few days after his arrival
the Sri Lankan national feeling he Sri Lankan society trouble shooters. from the Games. His chosen category
enthuses when he speaks, indeed That the experience has made Manoj, will be the 100m freestyle.
has roots to his native land in deep who became a top swimming coach And, he believes he is on track. “I’m
South Matara where his father cum as good as any foreigner, and his boys very close to reaching the Olympic
coach Manoj was born. Typically stronger in the resolve of their Sri qualifying time of 50.67. My best is
this swimming saga carrying a strong Lankan roots and what they can do 50.86. In India I returned 51.1 and
native feeling to the Abeysinghe’s of for the country in many ways fans that was after another race. For the
which dad Manoj stresses ‘I’m from Mathew Abeysinghe’s swimming Olympics I will be much more rested.”
deep South Matara’, understandably, vision; a vision that he is working on
has much to do with a irksome past to win a medal at possibly the 2024 FITTEST SRI LANKAN
experience when self interested local Olympics.
detractors shamelessly screamed “At 19, I have 8 years ahead of me. At A work horse for commitment, the
‘America’ when eldest son, Andrew the 2016 Tokyo Olympics I will be 20, lithely built, fair Sri Lankan’s physique
was competing on his way to 2 Asian and 24 by 2020 and 28 by 2024. The might not buy you at first glance. A
gold medals. prime age for swimming is between closer look, and the six pack muscles
Perhaps, the animosity the family 22 and 27. Right now I’m not in are unmistakable. Believe him when
found in the form of some Sri prime condition. But I believe I’ve he says, “I’m the fittest Sri Lankan.
Lankans who quite absurdly failed to got time ahead to reach my goal to Everything I do is about fitness. The
appreciate the off springs, born and become the third Sri Lankan to win amount of swimming and jogging I

do speak of my training capacity. I is ‘my dad who is as good as any world children to opt for high paying career
do more fitness training than any Sri expert coach.’ “I don’t want to do what jobs must change. Children should
Lankan or swimmer or athlete here.” others do.” decide what they want best. I want
He elaborates by saying that ‘the day As to his events, he says, “The 200m not only my son, but more and more
after I broke the records in India, I was is the easiest. The 50m freestyle is the children to do well and win medals for
training in the pool.” hardest. On beating Virdhawal Vikram the sake of the country.’
Khade, “He was a tough customer. He
As to his SAG achievements, Mathew had qualified at the last Olympics.’ Mathew’s modest parting words are,
says, “It was hard work. I worked for Mathew does hope that somebody else “I will give the Olympics my best shot,
8 individual events and team event in would break his SAG record sooner but I won’t promise anything and hope
only 5 days and reaped 10 medals in than 25 years. “I don’t want to see it for the best.’
all including 3 silver and one bronze. It happen 25 years later like in the case of
was a grueling task.” me breaking Julian Bolling’s record.”
To which dad Manoj adds,”For that to
His scheduling for the Tokyo Olympics happen the Sri Lankan society mind
will see Mathew training in Sri Lanka set has to change. Parents wanting
’’
after which he would head for the US
At 19, I have
8 years
ahead of me. At
the 2016 Tokyo
Olympics, I will be
20, and 24 by 2020
and 28 by 2024.
The prime age
for swimming is
between
22 and 27
’’
in August where he would be with
the University of Texas. His next
words, “The Texas University is very
good for swimming. The US is the
swimming power in the world” do echo
the champion stuff the Sri Lankan
has derived from one of the world’s
supreme technologically developed
countries alongside Australia in that
field. The Olympic qualifier will be in
Dubai followed by a meet in Europe or
Japan.
As to his diet, he says, “I eat as much
as I can. Carbohydrates are important.
There’s a plan I follow, but there are no
specifics.”
NO ROLE MODELS
Mathew does not believe in role

models. The nearest he can think of one With dad / Coach Manoj

SPORTS TODAY Swimming
’’
Mathew’s ultimate Olympic dream is triggered
with the Sri Lankan national feeling rooted to
his native land in Deep South Matara where his
father cum coach Manoj was born.
’’

SPORTS TODAY Athletics
Back me to win an
OLYMPIC MEDAL
By Tyrell Pieris
R
umeshika Rathnayake, Sri Jayasinghe. medal. I was 4th in the last 10 meters to
Lanka’s new sprint queen the finish line, but when it mattered I
says that given the necessary “I have requested the sports minister overtook them,” she recalls.
international exposure, she has the ability to help my cause and the country’s by
to come good at Olympic level. granting me a training scholarship to the Would you say that you have
“The drawback here is that we don’t USA. It would help me in a big way to
Q similar traits to Susanthika
have enough international meets. For an prepare myself to qualify for this year’s Jayasinghe when it comes to mental
athlete to rise to Olympic competitiveness 2016 Rio de Janerio Olympics or the 2020 toughness?
it is important that the sports authorities Olympics,” she told SPORTS TODAY.
conduct more international meets in “This is my ability. That is her ability.”
Sri Lanka. I can reach that level given What has ignited the interest around the
the right backing to run in more and teenager is that Rumeshika has displayed Would it be right to say that in
more such meets,” says the 18-year old traits similar to Susanthika Jayasinghe; Q terms of confidence you resemble
schoolgirl from St Joseph’s College, like the mental disposition to go to the a similarity to Susanthika. She also had
Kegalle, who became the fastest woman extreme; a factor she displayed at the the trait of coming from behind and
from South Asia when she won the 100m. South Asian Games when she overcame a winning?
gold medal at the recent 2016 South late start to come from behind in the last
Asian Games defeating India’s best with a 10 meters and go past the two Indians who “Yes, I agree. I think I too have it
timing of 11.71. were leading. ingrained from training.”
The effort has spiraled the rural lass into “It was a bad start, but I fought. It was Attracted to athletics as a15-year old
the spotlight raising expectations that she my mental attitude that took me past top while in Grade 9, Rumeshika does speak
is international potential after Susanthika opposition of the two Indians to the gold of hardships in her career.

’’ While Rumeshika’s
arrival is timely, it is
pertinent that there
are several experts
including Manoj
Abeysinghe, father of
Mathew, who became
the fastest swimmer
in Asia at the SAG,
SAG 100m women’s winner
to have expressed Rumeshika Rathnayake.
that the fault lies in
the authorities not
preparing athletes at
least 4 years ahead
of an international
meet; Some hard
facts for the Sports
Minister, Dayasiri
Jayasekera to take
notice of
’’ Rumeshika (extreme right)
Rumeshika Rathnayake Bronze Medalist in 200m at SAG.
HARDSHIPS Of course, as Rumeshika stresses, the minister’s support and encouragement.

centre piece guiding light in her career “I am thankful to the Sports Minister
“It has not been easy. I have had to has been Coach A.D. Nanda whom she for his support. He has seen to it that
face lots of hardships in coming to this regards as the ‘best sprint coach in Sri I have got all the support from the
position. As an athlete, there are so Lanka.’ ministry. I must specially thank the
many requirements from the spikes to “My coach A.D. Nanda, it is who has minister for the cash awards I received
the training equipment and it has been a contributed to my success. She is vastly which he offered to winners ahead of the
financial struggle as well. My parents are experienced, a Platinum Award holder in SAG to encourage the athletes,” quips
not rich,” she says. coaching. I would say it was Nanda who Rumeshika.
helped me win the Asian gold medal.
What has kept her on course has been the Without her guidance it would not have Rumeshika’s training regimen covers 5
support she has received from her school been possible,” are the words of gratitude days a week – 2 hours in the morning
St. Joseph’s College, Kegalle, the staff, from the champion. and 2 in the evening including fitness
supporters in the form of the Kegalle As to her future events, Rumeshika says workouts in the gym.
business community and well wishers that there was the Asian Indoor Games,
who have realised that here is a star who but in her own words, “I was surprisingly Indeed, Rumeshika Rathnayake is a rare
deserves all the backing to make the left out. There were 17 athletes from Sri find given the fact that it has been several
grade. Lanka, but I was not put on that list.” years since Susanthika Jayasinghe exited,
She is bracing herself for the April Grand and the authorities have been groping
“I’m particularly grateful to my school Prix where she says, “I hope to run under in the dark to find prospective medal
principal Ms. Mallika Ranasinghe and my personal best of 11.56 which is my winners on the international track; a post-
the Kegalle business community headed best. At the SAG my 11.71 was not my Jayasinghe vacuum that has highlighted
by Tharaka Balasuriya and his wife, the best. The reason is the cold conditions. I the incapacity of the athletic authorities
school staff and others,” Rumeshika hope to achieve around 10.60 next time.” for the want of an effective mechanism to
acknowledges. She is highly appreciative of the unearth promising talent.

SPORTS TODAY Cricket
FORD, FORD’s the Slogan!

’’
F
ord! Ford’s the slogan! No
not a four legged Ford that the Indeed,
Americans invented to speed you Graham
along. I mean the Cricket Slogan with the Ford walks
reincarnation of Graham Ford, the South
African born cricket coach. into a type
of cricketing
Its Ford’s second coming since handling situation that
the job from 2012 to 2014. The ex-South
African and Surrey coach walks into a Sri requires a
Lankan cricketing scenario that’s hanging machine and
on to life on a ventilator. There’s been so wheels type of
much bashing the islanders have taken.
The house is not in order at all. Sri Lanka, take off to lift
the tiny nation that turned cricket on its Sri Lanka from
head to win two world cups – instant the abyss. His
cricket’s big version in 1995-96, and the
mini one – the T20 in 2015, has found its landing in town
international standings badly slither like is sort of from
on a grease pole. The Test standings that the blues. There
were once 4th in the ICC defining status
quo, is also badly bruised. he was soundly
ingrained in
Indeed, Graham Ford walks into a type British county
of cricketing situation that requires a
machine and wheels type of take off to cricket pastures
lift Sri Lanka from the abyss. His landing overlooking
in town is sort of from the blues. There Surrey’s
he was soundly ingrained in British
county cricket pastures overlooking fortunes.
Surrey’s fortunes. Fresh from mentoring
Kevin Pietersen’s former county to ’’
a championship title, Graham Ford
would not have dreamed of parachuting The man’s second coming has a lot to On a 4-year contract up to the 2019
to Sri Lanka, but cricket being a big do with ex-veteran Kumar Sangakkara Cricket World Cup, his main task includes
money game, the man finds himself whose association with Surrey sees the T 20 World Cup in March, with Ford
the centerpiece attraction at Sri Lanka the Sri Lankan icon influence him to prioritising the fielding which is the core
Cricket’s headquarters surrounded by accept the job for which Sumathipala to lifting performance. His commitment
local chief Thilanga Sumathipala and the is full of appreciative words for to the job is in the words that ‘we will
captains Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga Kumar. It will certainly not be cut work hard to get up the ladder.’
and vice captain Dinesh Chandimal. and dry as it was with Surrey. His
first words to the Sri Lankan camp Indeed, for Graham Ford, back since an
Of course, Sumathipala, who it is who has are, ‘don’t panic. It’s a slow, hugely abrupt departure due to not seeing eye
had Ford rustled back to Sri Lanka live, challenging task.’ to eye with the then CEO Nishantha
stock and barrel, as a go getter in a first But he is quick to make the point that Ranatunga in 2014 from a contract that
things first chore not long after assuming these Sri Lankans are a pack with started in 2012, it is certainly like a
the administrative mantle at the game’s whom it is nothing but exciting to windmill. Two years is not a very long
live centre, of getting a top hand to run work with. For he is aware of their time since the elite coach is credited
the coaching business. And, we find the tremendous talent depth when he with having harnessed Sri Lanka to a
mellowed 55-year old international expert quips, “These Sri Lankans are special creditable international status. But the
mulling his role with Sri Lanka. to work with.” island nation’s cricket has taken a big

tumble down since his exit which Ford realises
is his job to get on even keel again.
The bonus in this second honeymoon is the

unmistakable delight the South African exudes
that he loves coming to Sri Lanka; words that
manifest his desire to get on with the job.
In the circumstances, it is a type of make

or break challenge for the South African
ingrained coach. Not the likable scenario to
walk into, but where men with the character of
delivering when the going gets tough, revel in.
’’ The bonus in this

second honeymoon
is the unmistakable delight
the South African exudes
that he loves coming to Sri
Lanka; words that manifest
his desire to get on with
the job.
’’

SPORTS TODAY Gymnastics
Spellbinding
By Grace Wickremasinghe Vidyalaya,Colombo 5. Since then, I were very humble and helpful. The CYG
was the school age group gymnastics team consisted of 28 athletes and I’m
champion. happy to say I was the youngest athlete
Thimasha Pathirage was
in the entire team. There was a rugger
the only female gymnast to
I took part in provincial, district and team and other sports like badminton,
represent Sri Lanka at the
national level competitions. I was swimming and athletics. They were all
Commonwealth Youth Games.
awarded Milo colours (national school elder sisters and brothers to me who
At the age of 15 (in 2011) she
colours) for 7 consecutive years from helped me in every way.
was the youngest participant.
2007-2013. I have participated in the
She participated in 2011 CYG
national sports festivals from the 33rd
held in Isle of man, United
Kingdom and was selected
to 39th, and was able to win many gold,
silver and bronze medals. The 38th
Q Tell us about your
to the final round in Women’s Commonwealth Games’
national sports festival was my golden achievement.
All-round Championship
year in gymnastics as I became the
category, where she was
rank number one. I underwent training So far I am the only female gymnast to
placed 19th among the
in Bangkok, Thailand and in Aigle, represent Sri Lanka at Commonwealth
Commonwealth countries in
Switzerland. I’m also registered in Youth Games. At the 2011 CYG, I
individual events. Competing
Federation of Gymnastics as an artistic went up to the final round in Women’s
individually, she placed Sri
gymnast, bearing the international license All-round championship category. I was
Lanka in 11th position in
(no.00019857) issued by FIG. I’m an placed 19th among the Commonwealth
women’s gymnastics team
active member in the school display countries in individual events. Competing
events.
team where we achieved a few awards alone, I placed Sri Lanka in 11th position
internationally. Even while doing local in women’s gymnastics team events.
Q Tell us a few details about
Advanced Levels, I have brought honour
to my own school by becoming the under
Q How was your preparation for
yourself.
19 Girls All Island Champion.
I’m 19 years, a past Visakhian it?
I must say I was always into stretching
currently studying psychology at
my limbs and what not as a child, so I
ANC. Gymnastics and Athletics were I trained every day except Sundays.
think that made me start off as a gymnast
my favourite sports during school. I I used to train at Ananda Indoor
in the first place.
eventually became the Senior Deputy Gymnasium. We had training from 3pm
Head Prefect for 2013/2014. I was to 9pm weekdays and Saturdays 9am to
also awarded the “Most Outstanding
All-rounder” in 2012. As a student I Q What was your experience like
8pm. I occasionally trained at Torrington
too. When it got closer to tournaments
obtained 9 As at O/Ls and a standard at the Commonwealth Youth Games we did many routines and hard training
result in local A/ls from bio section. in 2011? to correct all our tiny mistakes and to
make sure our schedules were perfect. I
Q When did you start gymnastics CYG held in Isle of man, United
Kingdom was a whole new experience
would take this chance to thank my very
own National Coach Mr. Aruna Prasad
and what made you try out?
and was a great opportunity to expose for all the courage given
myself internationally. It was an island to me to achieve my
I started my gymnastics career
with nice greenery and attractive beach. dreams. I must thank
when I was 7 years old at Visakha
The climate was a all the other coaches
little cold but all including Eranda
the citizens who Sir who
lived
there

is currently living in the USA, for all the
’’ At the 2011 CYG
support given to me!
held in Isle of
man, United Kingdom
Q What was your diet like to be in I went up to the final
shape for Gymnastics?
round in Women’s
Well about my food controlling, that was All-round hampionship
the least concern for me! But I made sure I
always took a balanced diet in order to get
all the nutrients needed to facilitate my daily
category.
’’
schedules.
My Coach often advised me to eat natural

healthy food. So that is what I listened
and managed to do all what was required.
Usually gymnasts should maintain their
weight and the figure. So I had a self-
controlled diet regime. People used to ask
me whether it isn’t hard to have restricted
meals, but once you’re used to it, it
becomes norm. I didn’t have any artificial
supplements to gain energy, only diet for me
was natural food.
Q What kind of support did you

have?
I canot forget the support from my parents.

They took me to practices every day and
that is exactly why I could achieve all these
in my life. I’m truly thankful to them. I owe
my life to my parents. I got a great support
from my school too, I should be thankful to
my very own Visakha principal and deputy
principals and subject teachers, relatives and
friends who cheered me on. And last but
not least, I should thank all my friends who
supported me through thick and thin.
My parents made my dream come true by

letting me go for training every day and
supporting me in every single way possible.
There were times I needed to give up on
things, but they were my pillars
of strength who encouraged
me throughout to achieve
each and every dream!

SPORTS TODAY Gymnastics
Q You have managed to obtain Q What’s next for you? while I engage in my higher studies
a scholarship to Russia to study

medicine. Tell us how did you balance Once I finish my higher studies, I’m
Q Any advice for aspiring
sportswomen?
your studies? hoping to engage in the field I love the
most! Gymnastics is my passion and
I must say no one is a failure, it only
I have always worked hard to achieve my will always be. And I would like to
depends on how hard you work. Keep
dreams. So I knew my limits, where to make others understand how important
on practicing and working hard and
start and stop! I balanced both sports and gymnastics is to every other sport. I
someday sooner or later it will help you
education well. I have always had a dream must say I was capable in other sports as
to achieve all your dreams. Believe in
of becoming a doctor. I guess I’m now in well because I got a good base through
sweat not in luck! All I have to say in the
the right track for it. I’m planning to do gymnastics. Flexibility is one of the
end is “practice makes you perfect”
my higher education in Russia in major sports skills in any sport. I hope
the field of medicine. But I will to do something useful for Sri Lankan
always be in touch with my beloved sport. gymnastics. I also hope to continue ballet
Thimasha Pathirage with National Coach Aruna Prasad
’’ Believe in
sweat not
in luck! All I
have to say
in the end
is “practice
makes you
perfect
’’

SPORTS TODAY Sponsorship
‘ ‘S S. THOMAS’
ATTIRE SPONSORSHIP EXCELLENT ‘
’’ The Director
T
he JAT Holdings sponsorship from this year, and would be an
of the S. Thomas’ cricket team ongoing thing where the cricket teams of Sports of S.
tournament attire from the would be well looked after for their
under-13 XI to the Under-19 XI for attire by JAT Holdings,” Director of Thomas’ notes
all tournament matches is welcomed Sports says. that JAT Holdings
by the S. Thomas’ Director of Sports, backing for
Sisira de Silva as excellent. He notes that JAT Holdings backing
for S. Thomas’ has been there in a big S. Thomas’ has
“The JAT Holdings sponsorship of way from a long past. “In fact, JAT has been there in a big
the college cricket team attire from sponsored so many other projects of S. way from a long
the under-13 to the under-19 for Thomas’ like the pavilion etc.’
tournament matches is excellent for the past. “In fact, JAT
cricket. It is so good they (JAT) came Sisira de Silva offers a big thank you to has sponsored so
in and helped the school. It would be JAT Holdings and its marketing team many other projects
a fillip in the long term,’ comments de for the positive initiative in supporting
Silva speaking to SPORTS TODAY. sports at large at the school level by of S. Thomas’ like
“In fact, this sponsorship commences joining hands with S. Thomas’ College. the pavilion etc
’’
’’ In fact, this
sponsorship
commences from
this year, and would
be an ongoing thing
where the cricket
teams would be well
looked after for their
tournament attire by
JAT Holdings.
’’
S. Thomas’ College Warden, Rt. Rev. Marc Billimoria addresses the gathering at the ceremonial sponsorship.

SPORTS TODAY Recreation
’’
Developing the Sports
Minister,
Mind & Physique

Dayasiri
Jayasekera
shows the
way at the
National
Sports &
Physical
Fitness
Week. It
was a very
educative
program
for people
of diverse
ages with
the accent
on good
health and
keeping
the doctor
away.
A
’’
series of recreational events were held from January 25 to 30 to mark the National Sports
& Physical Fitness Week declared by President, Maithripala Sirisena on a concept by Sports
Minister, Dayasiri Jayasekera. The program, activated by the Sports Ministry and its Sports
Welfare Department for various divisional employees, was conducted on a successful note. It also included
a special lecture on the significance of mental and physical coordination in exercising, under the patronage
of the Secretary, Sports Ministry, Dr. D.M.R.B. Dissanayake.

SPORTS TODAY Recreation

SPORTS TODAY Interview
K.S.P. Karunaratne’s
far sighted proposal
EVOLVE RUGBY
FORMAT FROM
U-21 to 23
’’
The ongoing system is a quick
jerk way of addressing issues in a
scenario where the controlling big wigs
of the nerve centre of the sport are more
self motivated than the national interest.
The structure requires drastic changes
prioritising youth rugby.
’’
VAST KNOWLEDGE
K.
S.P. Karunaratne, a livewire He recalls Sri Lanka’s first 7s tournament
in driving the game of rugby played in Ratnapura, and the oldest club
football in the Sabaragamuwa Karu does carry a vast knowledge the Kelani Valley Club was established
Province for over two decades, has a and insight in the workability of in 1984, by low-country Kelani Valley
far sighted concept of taking Sri Lanka administration having long served Planters who were mainly European
rugby to the next level. Claiming that in the Sabaragamuwa region driving settlers; an era that brought together an
the ongoing system is a quick jerk both boys and girls schools’ rugby. His entire village – spectators, labourers et al
way of addressing issues in a scenario involvement dates back to the days of starting to play rugby with the European
where the controlling big wigs of the such stalwarts like Y.C. Chang, Arjun planters.
nerve centre of the sport are more self Dharmadasa and Nalin de Silva with
motivated than the national interest, whom he tirelessly worked to give Karunaratne identifies several
Karu, who packs a wealth of experience Sabaragamua enlightenment. Other top Sabaragamuwa schools he is involved
as the Education Ministry’s Rugby notchers who have worked with him at with that need to be given a facelift.
Coordinator of Schools’ Rugby in the coaching camps are Hisham Abdeen, These include the Pallekanua Galu
Sabaragamuwa Province, has proposed Tony Wimalasuriya and Marco de Silva. Kanishta Vidyalaya, Talduwa Bauddha
to the Sports Minister, Dayasiri He is credited with introducing the Vidyalaya, Ihala Talduwa Vidyalaya,
Jayasekera what he describes as a ‘far Sabaragamuwa provincial tournament St. Mary’s Tamil School, Yatiyantota,
reaching concept’ to transform the in 1994 which started with only three Ruwanwella Rajakeeya Imbulana
sport from the school level upwards. schools – Talduwa Bauddha Vidyalaya, MV, Embilipitiya National School and
Rightfully pointing out that it is the Talduwa MV and Eheliyagoda MMV. “In Galpaya Kanishta Vidyalaya.
schools that are the cradle of the fact, the Sabaragamuwa Province team
country’s rugby football, Karunaratne beat Kingswood College in a Singer 7s RUGBY SAVVY FROM THE
has essentially pin pointed that the tourney in the 1990s, and seven of the VILLAGE
current schools’ under-20 structure players went on to play for Sri Lanka.
benefits only a handful of players while They included Suranga Arunashantha, Hailing from Dehiowita, interestingly,
shutting out the rest. The way forward Chaminda Roshan de Silva, Saliya K.S.P. Karunaratne brings a village life
would be to evolve youth rugby with Handapangoda, Anuradha Dharmatilleke, bearing to Sri Lanka’s rugby firmament;
an U-21 and 23 Sevens (7s) pool with Buddhika Thalagampola, Sathya an essential virtue to current day rugby
an U-21 inter-provincial tournament in Ranatunga and Asela Dissanayake. where the rural grassroots talent has
September-October. There could be an Anuradha Dharmatilleke, Buddhika become all important to taking the game
under-23 inter-provincial tournament in Thalagampola, Sathya Ranatunga and to the next level; when the scenario needs
June-July. Asela Dissanayake.

to be focused on big physique players constructive level that would take the to take rugby to the next level. It is sad
where brawn is being spoken of by sport to the next level internationally. that they are content to play ball the same
experts as a key component to matching old way in watching things happen and
top level international opposition. This While saying ‘If there is no just stepping to pick up the schoolboy
fact cannot find better credence than from development in the country it is talent which they exploit.
Sri Lanka’s South African born foreign useless’ and that a staggering Rs.30
Coach, Mathew Turner telling SPORTS million to 50 million is spent annually Indeed, Karunaratne’s argument is an eye
TODAY that Sri Lanka lacks is in the on national rugby with no results’, opening factor especially for the Sports
big physique players where a worrying he believes it is high time the sports Minister, Dayasiri Jayasekera who is all
issue was that most contemporary players ministry addresses the issue; his out to put national sports on the right
fail in split second body contact with concern is that overly there is no track. As Karu points out, it has been
big made players through fear. Karu comprehensive structure in place, like a stroll in the park for the big wigs
has the distinction of having guided and Karu has submitted a proposal who look to short cuts. It is a significant
the welfare of Sabaragamuwa rugby to the sports minister that he explains statement Karu is making that it is the
football since 1994 as the Education is important to address youth rugby schools that do the spade work. His
Ministry’s Coordinator of rugby in that with an under-21 and 23 7s pool with proposal also envisages finecomibing
region. When sports is commonly a an inter-provincial tournament. The for over 6 foot tall youngsters and over
subject we see people at the official level current schools’ under-20 structure 90 kilos in weight in having a separate
dealing from the sports ministry level benefits only a handful of players development squad under the ministry
downwards, Karunaratne’s presence like Banuka Rajapakse and Omalka and SLRFU accentuating on physique
in overseeing schools’ rugby from an Gunarathne. He backs his solid which has become a prerequisite when
official education periphery level is argument that the Sri Lankan rugby one looks at international rugby which
therefore, significant. Interestingly, structure is flawed saying, “Actually is all about brains and brawn in an
Karunaratne recalls the Kelani Valley we have not achieved anything bigger equal ratio where the hulks reign
Sports Club era to its barman R.A. than when Hisham Abdeen won us a supreme.
Aronsingho of whom we carry a major trophy so many decades ago.
flashback picture, representing the club. It shows our backwardness. National DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
As Karu, puts it, “That was an era when governing bodies have failed to develop
even the villagers, who had never seen the domestic structure to tangible “Such a development squad could be
the shape of a rugby ball, were influenced heights. What are the crowds that the entrusted to the purview of the Forces
by the planters to playing rugby.’ clubs bring to club rugby matches? to oversee. It should be a squad building
It is nothing and meaningless when process. ‘Never mind about those who
ARONSINGHO TROPHY you compare to the spectator influx at have not played rugby’. They can
schools’ matches. The schools are the be trained. They could get a pocket
Aronsingho was so immersed with the way forward. In fact, the clubs only money dole from the Forces, and if the
sport that a trophy was mooted in his prosper on the painstaking efforts of clubs want to hire them they should
name called the ‘Aronsingho Trophy’ the various schools’ authorities who be made to pay Rs.100,000 a player.
since 1994 which has become the really do the entire spade work of By that a fund would also be built
ongoing stakes of schools’ rugby in finding teenage talent and evolving to support the players. My proposal
Sabaragamuwa. And, Karu pulls out them to team status. envisages under-21, 23, 24 and world
from a wad of old paper cuttings a list of 7s tournaments. The under-21 and 23
signatories of that Sabaragamuwa era of SORRY STATE OF AFFAIRS players could also be given the benefit
the Aronsingho days that also bears the of pursuing their higher studies through
name and signature of Jeff Matherson, It is a sorry state of affairs that the clubs the private universities. Presently, there
the New Zealand Rugby Development only cash in on the hard work of the is no unity among the rugby union.
Coach who was with Sri Lanka at the schools authorities to buy players. It is The way the under-19 overseas tours
time. Indeed, this is suggestive of the the schools and the Schools’ Section of are managed which comes to the
perseverance and commitment of K.S.P. SL rugby that feed the clubs that prey SLRFU and selections by the schools’
Karunaratne who certainly deserves a upon the talent built by the schools. In section by itself is a skewed up set up
bouquet in times when we do not hear that scenario, it is a shame on the clubs with no uniformity and transparency.
highly of the bureaucratic from the and the SLRFU who rely on the schools There are sponsorship issues. There
education officialdom when it comes to to make their bread and butter in huge should be a schools council with a
driving national sports. money at the expense of the schools. It representative from the education
is high time the sports ministry took ministry to ensure transparency. It
What makes Karu significant to the notice of this ugly situation and took should be a ‘one voice, one country’ set
current equation is his concern for the steps to put things on the right track. up or there would be no development
well being of the sport and his dismay The SLRFU and the clubs cannot look in the sport. The structure drawbacks
that not much has been done at the to short cuts. They have the big money must be immediately cleared. The way
top Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union and they should not just mint it at forward would be first to develop the
(SLRFU) level to transform local talent whim and fancy for individual gain, provinces through the zones and then
from the rural grassroots level to a but in the larger interest of the country to the national level. Sadly, that is not

happening now. Likewise, like player SPECIAL MENTION Ministry of Education, Hewage, Director
resource development, the referees of Sports B.A. Abeyratne, Director of
should be better looked after through He singles out the current 2-day training Education (Sports), Upali Amaratunga,
the availability of new technology such program of a schools’ pool of 20 boys Project Officer Milroy Jayamanne and
as TV umpires. “The technical part and 20 girls amounting to 80 players in Assistant Project Officer Sriyani Kulawansa.
should be on international par. The each age category in Sabaragamuwa. Karunaratne’s association with the sport has
current set up is outdated. Referees They are coached by a handpicked panel taken him to Lahore, Pakistan as assistant
complain about outdated hearing aids. with Sanath Martis heading the U-18 manager in 2005 of a national schools’ team.
Give them the right equipment. There pool and Chandrishan Perera the U-16 He mentions Bertie Gunaratne, better known
should be TV recordings of matches for pool. Other coaches comprise of Viper as Beauty, as being a pioneer of women’s
the referees to look up. There should Gunaratne, Ananda Kasthuriarachchi, Asela rugby along with B.K. Ramachandra,
be a media unit. The entire gamut Dissanayake, Sunanda and Dinesh Kumara. Priyantha Gunaratne, better known as Tiger,
requires a total overhaul instead of and Arjun Dharmadasa to whom the country
an ‘old tomatoes’ structure. Separate Karu makes special mention of committed is indebted for his untiring services towards
structures should be in place. Physios, officials who have been active in promoting promoting the sport among women. Some
masseurs, trainers, coaches and CMO’s schools rugby namely the Additional of the women stalwarts were Rukshani
to overlook referees and workshops and Secretary, Ministry of Education, H.U. Ariyasena, Ruwini Deepika and Subashini
sports medicos. Prematilleke, Additional Secretary, , Karunaratne. (Srian)
’’
The entire
gamut
requires a total
overhaul instead of
an ‘old tomatoes’
structure. Separate
structures should
be in place.
Physios, masseurs,
trainers, coaches
and CMO’s to
overlook referees
and workshops
and sports
medicos.
’’
Aronsingho hands over award to Talduwa The Talduwa Bauddha Vidyalaya-Wesley Eheliyagoda MV Captain receives
Bauddha Vidyalaya Captain at the first College match July 31, 1994. champions trophy.
Sabaragamuwa Province Schools’ Rugby
tourney 1994.

SPORTS TODAY Tennis ’’ I believe I
must stay
fit if I am to
play long
to achieve
my dream
of reaching
the top ATP
50. So, I train
very hard
TEENAGE ACE
to become
tough
IN THE PACK
physically
and mentally
to succeed.
By Srian Obeyesekere The intensity
is very high
on the
H
ailed as one of the young torchbearers of
the new generation of tennis, 18-year old European
teenage prodigy, Sharmal Dissanayake circuit. You
swishing the racquet at the SLTA’s tennis courts, get to play
takes time off to stress on match fitness, both
with tough
physically and mentally to come on top in what
he calls ‘high level international competition guys always.
intensity.’ So, I train
myself to go
Indeed, Sharmal has been the impetus to star player
Harshana Godamana in taking Sri Lanka to Davis
out there and
Cup status on the South Asian hemisphere. win,” is the
formula the
Like diamonds of a kind Dissanayake, who
like Godamana is a product of Royal College,
Sri Lankan
has made Germany a good part his training star carries
ground while Godamana has taken a wealth to the centre
of experience to the Spanish academy
coaching circuit. Dissanayake’s German
court.
experience helped in his decisive role
in Sri Lanka’s Davis Cup success over
Kazakhstan in the 2015 home tie.
’’
GERMAN EXPERIENCE
The medium built Sharmal’s German

voyage of two years ago has been
the talking point in local tennis
corridors of the prince in line to
carry forward the island nation’s
tennis fortunes after Godamana.
If Godamana, at 34 years, has
been the old wine to fermenting
Sri Lanka’s Davis Cup
fortunes to a new pedestal
from Oceanic 4th to 3rd
place in the past one year,
Sharmal Dissanayake
young Shamal Dissanayake has been the ITF 200th ranked, and ATP 600th, to an ITF top 30 ranked Korean.’ “I lost in
brew to the national cause. Dissanayake Sharmal, ‘everything is major.’ “You’ve three sets 5-7, but it was the absorbing
raised his status a mite further with a got to train very hard in tennis to become intensity of stretching a top ITF player
stunning win over the Thai No.1, Puriwat tough physically and mentally to succeed. that hardened me by the experience,” he
Chatpatcharoen, a pro player, after being recalls.
2 sets down, in Sri Lanka’s Sharmal Dissanayake
recent 2016 Davis Cup considers the recent
tie against hosts Thailand. induction of top Swiss
From 0-5 in the second coach Dominic of Davis
set, Dissanayake prevailed Dreams of reaching Cup reputation and
4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-1. A Pluckk from the Thailand
work horse whose slogan to the top ATP 50 National Academy as
staying on top is physical national coaches the
and mental toughness, the fine tuning passport to
teenager does look to a long winning on the big curve.
journey in international The bubbly Dissanayake
tennis; of putting himself is joined in the pack
and Sri Lanka on the world of aces by national
map. Wimbledon great champion Nadarajah
Roger Federer is a strong Dineshkanthan and
role modeling guide to Yasitha de Silva, the
Sharmal scaling heights latter who has bounced
that no other Sri Lankan has on the tracks from a
when he says that he aims to virtual unknown to
reach the top 50 in the ATP making his presence felt
circuit. He prioritises the age in the last two years.
factor of having at least 15
years of playing competitive He believes his first
tennis ahead of him and Davis Cup win pairing
good health to realise his tall Harshana in the doubles
dream. against the Vietnam
pair in the 2014 Davis
INTENSITY Cup ‘gave me a lot of
confidence as well as my
“I believe I must stay fit if I singles triumph over a
am to play long to achieve top Lebanese player in
my dream of reaching 2015.’
the top ATP 50. To back
my dream I have a good EVERTHING’S
support team. There is my MAJOR
personal Sri Lankan coach
Vijayakanth who has been Now ITF 200th ranked,
working with me from my and ATP 600th, to
zonal days; Indian coach Sharmal, ‘everything is
Ashuto Singh and fitness major.’ “I believe I must
coach Mahesh,” is Shamal’s stay fit if I am to play
ointment lending weight. long to achieve my dream
His first goal: to reach of reaching the top ATP
the ITF top 100 winning 50.
Grade 4 of the ITF
Junior singles in India In a sport where tennis
The intensity is very high on the European is a virtual rich man’s
and by age 23 or 24.
circuit. You get to play with tough guys sport if one is to make the grade, Shamal
always. So I train myself to go out there owes it t his dad who ‘is funding me’
Indeed, the Frankfurt’s Vaske Tennis
and win,” is the formula the Sri Lankan star while the National Olympic Committee
Academy has lent much to Sharmal’s
carries to the centre court. has sponsored him as a member of the
success.; his love for tennis superseding
youth Olympic team. “While specially
his studies which required him to delay
MOST MEMORABLE LOSS thanking my parents for their support,
his examinations, but not a deterrent to
I cannot forget my first coach Kingsley
coming tops in his OL’s and AL’s. Now
“Most memorable was a three sets defeat to Candappa at Moors SC.”
www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April SPORTS TODAY 37

SPORTS TODAY Horse Riding
’’
Premadasa Riding School An out of the
Being Horse Savvy!

world domain
in the Sri Lankan
horse industry
which is far and
few; an industry to
which its Managing
Director, Suranjith
Premadasa has
infused a touch of
the Wild West in
breeding horses
into such a likably
demanding
industry.
’’
Sohania Aziz (25)

says she will pursue horse riding as a career.
T
he Premadasa Riding School’s such a likably demanding industry. savvy, indeed, it is a small bit that
(PRS) Directress Thiloshi The family concern that started with reminds of the Wild West’s cowboy life.
Dissanayake is a specialist a stable in 2001 with Thiloshini’s elder And, making it click in every sense of
in a field where it’s about being all sister Prameesha in charge which the word is its Directress, Thiloshini
horse savvy – from riding, training happened to interest the younger Dassanayake, petite, small built clad
and understanding the animals in sibling to the profession. Soon dad in shirt, denims and riding boots and
communicating these skills to her Suranjith decided to launch the riding hat as she goes about directing her
students who have taken to horse school; from two thoroughbreds to two charges on the minutest details of horse
riding. What makes her a cut above ponies. riding. That the industry has clicked in
is her accomplished ‘to detail’ rub a family business that is all about big
down to making the Premadasa Riding The Melder Place location off the money for maintenance is laudable in
School an out of the world domain in Nugegoda junction, where horses and making horse riding popular among
the Sri Lankan horse industry which is barns, troughs and a small yard make young Sri Lankans with a penchant
far and few; an industry to which her up the Premadasa Riding School, it for it. Indeed, the Premadasa Riding
dad Suranjith has infused a touch of would seem totally alien to those not School caters to such national events
the Wild West in breeding horses into drawn to the industry. But to the horse like safaris, endurance competitions

’’
The Premadasa
Riding School’s
(PRS) Directress
Thiloshi Dissanayake
is a specialist in
a field where it’s
about being all
horse savvy – from
riding, training
and understanding
the animals in
communicating
these skills to her
students.
’’
Eastha Dediwela (13) Yasora Wickramasinghe (16)

is another proficient rider for her age. will be shortly entering a horse riding school in New Zealand
for 3 years, and then start her own horse riding school.
organised by the Sri Lanka Equestrian child is put on horseback from the first long stirrups. A jockey crouches whereas
Association - show jumping, regular day. Importantly, they are taught right riders sit straight up.”
children’s relays and games, special from the beginning how to sit upright.”
national events, VIP arrivals and And, falling is part and parcel of the Among the students at the PRS are
carriage rides et al. Besides hiring job. “It is how you fall that a beginner is Sohania Aziz (25) who says she will
out to hotels and clubs for the benefit put through. And, it is not for the weak pursue horse riding as a career; Yasora
of guests, the demand runs as far minded. It is something one must have Wickramasinghe (16) who will be shortly
as hiring horses for films, among the liking to learn,” she insists, adding entering a horse riding school in New
which Thiloshini mentions, was that communication with horses is a Zealand for 3 years, and then start her
‘Mahagemunu.’ key factor. “A striking feature about own horse riding school supported by her
horses is that they encourage riders parents; there is also 13-year old Eastha
Married to Vajira Dassanayake, Head to interact with them. Importance is Dediwela (13), schooling at British School,
of Marketing at Sri Lanka Cricket, attached to this factor by judges at who says she is an animal lover wanting
she has not let family commitments dressage competitions.” On riding, she to become a veterinary surgeon. All of
bog down her job and love for horses. says, “General riding is very different them are regular dressage competitors
Having trained since 2004, she says, “A in stirrups to jockey riding which is in and been placed among the first three.

SPORTS TODAY Weightlifting
Muscling for
Gold
’’ Having By Len Maxwell

started
his bodybuilding
T
Subash
career in 1998 Siriwardena, is a
former 2012 Mr.
when he began Sri Lanka, 2014 Asian
weight lifting at Games Gold Medalist and
the Iron Arms Gym, a bronze medalist at the
2014 World Bodybuilding
Kelaniya, Subash Championships.
Siriwardena has
gone on to excel The 2014 Asian Games
gold medalist does have
representing the much experience on
Navy in the last 10 the back of some very
years having won in impressive national and
international performances
the 60 and 70 kg. to go the extra distance.
categories.
’’ Having started his

WORTH GOLD
’’
bodybuilding career in 1998
when he began weight lifting at
the Iron Arms Gym, Kelaniya, he
has gone on to excel representing
the Navy in the last 10 years Subash Siriwardena’s
having won in the 60 and 70 kg. medal winning
categories. Subash is a specialist physique is all about
in the 75 kg where he has made triumph and gold, the
a name. maintenance of which
is the dream of
a perfectionist
HARDSHIPS in the field;
a field
But while Sri Lankan that is
weightlifters do have the all abolut
will to perform and win coming tops
internationally, the hardships in the hurculean
are many. Apart from the international
financial constraints of finding
muscling business.
the airfare. to make it to a ’’
major international event,
their sustenance too is a major
financial factor. As Subash
pointed out, a weightlifter’s
daily diet maintenance
runs into something over
Rs.1500/= 20 egg whites, 2
chicken breasts, oats, green
apples, vitamins and food
supplements.
Indeed, the sports authorities

need to look more positively
in giving the country’s
musclemen the necessary
backing to expand their careers
to winning international
medals beyond the Asian
region.

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
T
hurstan College’s
junior rugby
academy is not
short of good Samaritans.
Romanian
Joining local well wishers
who contribute to making
it a success is the renowned
Assists Thurstan
Romanian Fitness Trainer,
Ms. Julia Swedish. Julia took
a liking for Sri Lanka ever
since her son Alexander’s love
for rugby football brought him
to the island nation two years
ago. She was in Sri Lanka last
January to give a helping hand
to Thurstan’s junior rugby
players at the academy early
this year. Julia, incidentally,
has been involved in fitness
training rugby players in
Romania.
The 53-year old Julia’s

expertise went into
conditioning the young
Thurstanites in the rudiments
of gym training accentuating
on deriving strength and
Julia Swedish joins the hustle and bustle of fine tuning Thurstan’s junior ruggerites.
stretching, according to the

Head Coach of the Thurstan
College Rugby Academy,
Ajith Fernando.
“We are very grateful to Ms.

Julia Swedish who was in
Sri Lanka twice at her own
expenses on a voluntary
mission to help our academy
players. She was in Sri Lanka
in 2015 as well, and what
attracted her here was her
son Alexander having been
in town in 2014 when he
practiced with the Sri Lanka
Navy and Sri Lanka rugby
teams,” Fernando said.
Interestingly, Julia left

after her second stint here
promising to be back, and on
a stronger footing.
“She intends enlisting her

son to a Sri Lankan private
university for higher studies,
and will be back in about
three months. She will be here
for about four months during
which period Julia will lend
her know how to Thurstan
rugby once again,”
he added.

’’ Romanian Fitness
Trainer, Ms. Julia
Swedish. Julia,
who has taken a
liking for Sri Lanka
ever since her son
Alexander’s love
for rugby football
brought him to the
island nation two
years ago, was
in Sri Lanka last
January to give a
helping hand to
Thurstan’s junior
Julia is handed a copy of the SPORTS TODAY by Head Coach, Ajith Fernando.
rugby players
’’
Head Coach Ajith Fernando

SPORTS TODAY Wheelchair Tennis
C
hina took the honours
at the 9th Sri Lanka
Open WheelchairTennis
Tournament winning both the
China Dominates
Men’s and Women’s Singles titles
respectively, courtesy Zujun Wei and
Zhenzhen Zhu. Zhu also clinched
the doubles title partnering Hui Min
Huang at the SLTA Courts, Greenpath
recently.
Wei dispatched Francesc Tur of Spain

6-0, 6-2 while Zhenzhen Zhu beat
countryman Ziying Wang 6-3, 6-2 in
their respective finals.
In the second draw, Sri Lankan H.M.L.

Senaratne won the Men’s Singles
final defeating F. Ibrahim of Malaysia
6-3, 6-2. He beat compatriot K.
Dharmaratne 6-3, 6-1 in the semi final.
Results
Main Draw
Zujun Wei (CHIN)
6-0 – 6-2 France
TUR (ESP) [4]
Second Draw
H.M.L SENARATNE (SRI)
6-3 – 6-2 Firdaus
IBRAHIM (MAS)
WOMEN’S SINGLES
Main Draw
Zhenzhen ZHU
(CHIN) [1]
6-3 – 6-2 Ziying WANG
(CHN) [2]
MEN’S DOUBLES
Main Draw
Ha-Gel LEE (KOR)
/ Sang-Ho OH (KOR) [2]
6-1 – Retired Ho Won IM
(KOR) / Ji-Hwan LEE (KOR) [1]
WOMEN’S DOUBLES
Main Draw
Hui Min HUANG (CHIN)
/ Zhenzhen ZHU (CHIN) [1]
6-1 – 6-3 Jin Lian HUANG (CHN)
/ Qing Xian HUANG (CHIN)

GRIT AND DETERMINATION

’96 WORLD CUP WINNING CAPTAIN SAYS

‘AT AGE 15, I DID NOT
T
he centre piece to celebrating determination was the cornerstone to cricketer’s success. But that virtue does
two decades since Sri Lanka won success, not only in sports, but in life not come easily. ,” stressed Ranatunga who
the cricket World Cup on March as well. Ranatunga’s moving story went on to recall his early career. “I was
18, 1996, was of course the indomitable was delivered at a coaching camp for only 15-years old when I launched my club
Arjuna Ranatunga, this March, 2016. cricketers at the Shastrananda MV at career at the Sinhalese Sports Club (SSC).
Dubbed the roly poly ‘Captain Cool’ in Kawdana, Dehiwala attended by a large Conversing habit at the SSC was in English.
his heyday, now sporting a sailor like gathering of the national cricket fraternity, Even though I understood English, I could
white beard and packing more muscle, parents and cricket fans. not talk English. I used to get to a side and
like a ship’s captain, the incumbent wait as much as I could. I used to listen. I
Minister of Ports and Shippinjg, led the Stressing that discipline is as vital was embarrassed. But after several months,
country through a series of celebrations. It to success in sports as well as life, conditions changed. I am proud to say that
was also significant that Sri Lanka’s most Ranatunga said, when I used to step into the SSC grounds,
illustrious cricket captain, now aged 52, I did not even have a bat. It was Roy Dias
had a very solemn and moving opening “It is the bat we use as players, and not who first gave me a bat. It was in such
ceremony message for youngsters on the vehicle we travel in, that our value difficult times that I played cricket.”
the difficult ladder to success - which lies. “Discipline is the key to every Ranatunga did leave a positive opening

HAVE A BAT AT THE SSC’
ceremony message that determination were the Secretary, Save the Sports Chief Guest.
was the essence not only in sports but Organisation, Chinthaka Fernando
in life as well. Also joining him at the and Secretary, Sports Club of the Port Batting first, Ranatungs’s team prevailed
coaching camp at the Shastrananda Authority, D. Weerasinghe. by 1 run against the Stars XI led by ex-
MV at Kawdana, Dehiwala, in showing Sri Lanka paceman Graham Labrooy.
youngsters the basic technique of holding Ranatunga handed over a cricket matting The ’96 team, made 195 for 8 wickets
a straight bat and stroke execution was and other sports equipment to the in 20 overs with Romesh Kaluwitharana
Roshan Mahanama, now an ICC match Shastrananda MV, Dehiwala. stroking 71 to take the ‘Man of the
referee. Match’ award followed by Aravinda de
Silva with 51. The Stars XI was all out
The coaching camp centered on island- Top of the 2016 celebrations agenda was for 194 with Indika de Saram top scoring
wide talent for cricket teams from the traditional 20-over friendly match with 49. Muttiah Muralitharan claimed 3
Mirigama, Pasyala and the Babusalam between the ’96 team led by Ranatunga for 35 and Sanath Jayasuriya 2 for 42.
Muslim School, Nabuluwa. against a Stars XI at the SSC on March
19. The celebratory event was attended
Associated with the coaching camp by President Maithripala Sirisena as the

MARKING TWO DECADES OF ‘96 WORLD CUP TRIUMPH
Chief Guest Maithripala Sirisena, at the Awards ceremony, distributes the momentos. Arjuna Ranatunga’s ‘96 team defeated a Stars
XI by 1 run in the annual friendly cricket match at the SSC marking Sri Lanka’s World Cup triumph two decades ago. The President is
flanked by the then Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) President, Ana Punchihewa.

Romesh Kaluwitharana Man of the Match

Arjuna Rantunga - Glimpses of the past SPORTS TODAY Cricket

SPORTS TODAY Rowing
S.
Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia evening is the Colombo Rowing Club How come a 30 man crew?
rowing Captain, Kemil Peter, who (CRC) where the Thomian team is all clad
Q
considers rowing as ‘my second up for the interview with SPORTS TODAY “Oh rowing is so different to other sports.
home and my life’, does look forward as they expectantly have their eyes focused Although there are 30, only a few people
to the annual regatta against arch, rivals on our young cameraman Shan Nisansala end up rowing.”
Royal College. For all the calendar season’s who directs them to attention for the picture
schools’ events, as the skipper puts it, “It is takes. It is nigh 6 in the evening as dusk
Q Can you explain?
‘the’ Royal-Thomian ‘Battle of the Blues’ approaches Colombo’s nerve centre for the
in the waters that counts for us more than duels in the waters. All around, different “Sure, only 3 do take part. The rest of the
any other event.’ crews, boys and girls, go about tuning up. crew become effective in so much that
The modern high tech of gym gadgetry they influence your mentality. That counts
An 8th year rower, who raised as a junior, common to athletes takes pride of place at a lot on how well you will perform on
18-year old Kemil does make out how the CRC where a few Thomian rowers flex that day.”
much he is attracted to the water sport their muscles. The scenario certainly drives
where body and limb is the fusion to the home the Thomian Captain’s sentiments.
Q How does the training go?
deftness of the decisive oar in one’s hand; He is flanked by his key members – the vice
Calling it a sport different from everything captain Saliya Gunawardena and Wishwajith “During the peak of the season, we go
else, the youngster, sporting the muscle Peiris whom Kemil Peter introduces as the into more sessions and end up training till
derived from rowing, certainly does portray Secretary. late night. Competitive rowing means a
his love for the sport, as he mixes with a Ok, let’s have the rest of your story about lot of time put together.”
30-strong crew of teammates; the en masse Thomian rowing, I tell him.
blue, black and blue Thomian colours of What was your most memorable
their T shirts and slacks making them look “As I said, rowing is like our second home,”
Q moment in competition?
the family at home as Peter sees the sport to he shoots back going on to elaborate thus,
the team. “We train hard for 10 months and end up “For me, personally, coxing my first boat
Of course, the venue on a week-day rowing for an average of just 3 minutes.” race is vivid in memory. It was in 2012

’’ My first boat race is vivid in memory. It was in 2012
against Royal. That was the year we were recovering
from a terrible 04-48 loss to them in 2011. We went on
to win the 2012 race – Skipper Kemil Peter.
’’
than us. They have 9 of their coloursmen.”
You’re already conceding

Q defeat?
“Nopes, not at all. We are prepared to

beat them despite the odds. Being the
underdogs has made us more focused.
We’ve done it in the past.”
It’s time to move on to the Vice Captain

Saliya Gunawardena to recall the best
moment in his career.
A 5th year, Saliya, fair, taller and slightly

bigger made than his captain, has about
the same answer when he says, “My best
moment was winning against Royal in
2012 having lost unexpectedly to them in
2011. That loss was a tragedy to the team.
So winning in 2012 was sweet revenge.
We gave our 100 per cent.”
I toss the same question to Wishvajith the

smallest in the pack.
against Royal. That was the year we were Say something more about the Royal- “My best moment was in 2014 against
recovering from a terrible 04-48 loss to Thomian or the ‘Battle of the Blues’, Royal. We were down 16-24, and it was up
them in 2011. We went on to win the to our seniors to do the job for the team.
2012 race,” he reminisces. “Of all the encounters, the toughest They went on to win and by a convincing
challenge is the final showdown, the margin,” replies Wishvajith, a 4th year.
How have the exchanges been in the Royal-Thomian in the last week of
Q Royal-Thomian? October.”
Q Who is your coach?
“We’ve been on top. We’ve won more

Q How big a crowd draw is it? “He’s Mark Maurice and is with the team
boat races and regattas than Royal. The for the second year.”
boat race tally is 26-20 and the regattas “It is the highest crowd drawing event
23-18 in favour of us. The regatta is for in rowing in Sri Lanka. It supersedes the Q How do you sum up your coach?
the T.N. Fernando Trophy. There have nationals. Mind you, the Royal-Thomian
been 5 ties.” is 46 years old.” “He’s an ex-oarsman at S. Thomas’,
and therefore, his binding to the team’s
Due you all find national Q How do you fancy this year? efforts is significant having represented
Q recognition? the college. He carries that depth of
“We have only 5 coloursmen – the three experience which he imparts to the team.”
“Once in awhile a few of us get selected of us and Senal Seneviratne and Suramba
to represent the Colombo Rowing Club Serasinghe. All the others are fresher’s. It If winning and team success is the
in national regattas. This year, our vice will be a tough ask. We lost to them 04-48 adrenaline pumping definition to the team,
captain Saliya represented the CRC at the last year.” the instilling of discipline and morale, the
recent ARAE Regatta in Pune, India,” a combinative component
pause, and adds, “I made the scull final, Q So you are the underdogs? to a school sportsman’s career,
but couldn’t qualify.” Quite modest about is to the credit of the college
it! “Yes, Royal is definitely stronger Teacher in Charge, Ms. Anne Seneviratne.
(Srian)

SPORTS TODAY Rowing
THORAS FLEX MUSCLES
The S.Thomas’ College rowing team.

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
Police SC
seek to revive fortunes
P
Police SC entered the 2015 captain Reeza Raffaideen. The duo add gutsy players on whom the clubhouse
Dialog A Division rugby a youthful streak to an experienced set depends to revive its rugby. The
Championship on the back of of players such as Chula Susantha who skipper Hashan Gomes carries much
seven seasoned players who switched crossed over from Army SC, Mohamed experience to guide the side.
allegiance from the Navy SC to the cop Sheriff from Havelocks SC and Lasintha
side. One of Police SC’s best periods De Costa from CR & FC; the rest being The Head Coach is Lalith
dates back to1989 when they won the Riza Mubarak, Bilal Hassen, Chamara Weerarathne whose assistant is
then John Player League title in a 5-year Dabare, Achala Perera, Hasitha Perera, former CR & FC and Sri Lanka
sequence of cup triumphs. Sharo Fernando and Terence Henry. captain, Dushantha Lewke who does
come from a rich rugby background,
This year’s squad composition is On paper, this year’s combination looks his father Nimal having excelled in
a resource of club imports - two good as Police SC, who went up to top flight rugby at club and national
outstanding schools’ players in Royal’s the finals last year, seek to better their level while going on to become a top
ace Shawker Lahir and Kingswood fortunes. The side does possess some rugby administrator as well.

SPORTS TODAY Weightlifting
’’ Samanga
Samanga
Shasthri
Kumarasingha’s
career took off
in 2010 from the
Rhino Fitness
Braves the Odds

Club in her
hometown. She
was fortunate
to have a top
trainer like R.B.
By Sunil Fernando
Wickramasinghe
Twenty-five year-old Samanga Shasthri Samanga Shasthri Kumarasingha’s career
Kumarasingha, hailing from Tangalle, took off in 2010 from the Rhino Fitness Club around who put
has braved the difficulties that rural in her hometown. She was fortunate to have her through the
athletes face to becoming Sri Lanka’s
champion women’s weightlifter in the
69kg weight category. She is a national
a top trainer like R.B. Wickramasinghe
around who put her through the paces.
paces.
’’
poolist, who is full of hopes to make it “Mr. Wickramasinghe, who is the current
big on the international scene. Her small, national coach, was a guiding light making National Sports Festival she won
rural beginnings date back to Thangalla the grade as my career saw me head to the gold medal with a clean jerk
Balika Vidyalaya. Kandy where I cannot forget the knowhow of 85 to beat the existing record
of the Kandy Sports Club fitness trainer of 80 while at the corresponding
Samanga’s first tilt is for the Asian Naveendra Gayan who was also an asset event of 2015 she had a clean and
Championships this year in Uzbekistan. to me. My hometown club trainer, Asanga jerk record of 90 – all in her pet
Perera and later Emil, the Army fitness 69 kg category.
“Trials for the Asian Championships will trainer brushed me up,” she recalls.
be held in April. I have trained hard. The rural lass certainly has
But what is lacking is the necessary By 2014 Samanga had set up three national high hopes of going the distance
financial support to back me. Training records – firstly 70 to beat the existing 68 in with her sights set also on the
and physical maintenance requires so the 69kg snatch followed by 81 to surpass 2018 Commonwealth Games
much of supplements and nourishment. the existing 80 in the clan jerk in the same in Australia. But as she makes
A supplement costs as much as Rs.10, weight category. She says that the total of out, her biggest handicap is the
000/=,” points out Samanga, who has 151 from the two events is also a record financial support she badly needs
three national records to her credit. by itself aggregate-wise. Also, at the 2014 to take her the distance.

’’ The rural lass
certainly has
high hopes of
going the distance
with her sights
set on the 2018
Commonwealth
Games in
Australia. But
as she makes
out, her biggest
handicap is the
financial support
she badly needs
to take her the
distance.
’’

SPORTS TODAY Football
Zahira & Mahajana,

the Champs
Boy’s champs... Zahira College
Z
ahira College, Colombo and Zahira College beat Kinniya Central school football is one the key priorities
Mahajana College, Jaffna College, Trincomalee in the final of the Sri Lanka Football Federation
emerged boy’s and girl’s while Mahajana College, beat and initiatives of this nature cannot
champions at the Samaposha Under 15 Kavisigamuwa Central College, be fulfilled without the support of
Inter-School Football Championship Kurunegala. The event was organised conglomerates like CBL. We wish to
2016. by the Sri Lanka Football Federation continue this partnership and support
and the Sri Lanka Schools Football the school football players of this
Samaposha, the leading cereal brand Association. country.”
of Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, a subsidiary
of Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL) Commenting on the successful The Under -15 football teams of 410
which continuously advocates for completion of the event, Anura De boy’s schools and 160 girl’s schools
nutrition and vitality among young Silva, President of the Football from all over the island were in
children, stepped forward for the Federation of Sri Lanka said, action at this year’s tournament. The
seventh consecutive year to sponsor “Samaposha as a brand has been preliminary rounds took place in 32
the ‘Samaposha Under 15 Inter-school supporting the Under 15 Inter-school locations covering all 25 districts.
Football Championship 2015’ which Football Championship for the past
has now established itself as a key six years, and this year too, we are Awards were presented to the best
sporting event in the school sport grateful for their generous sponsorship goalkeeper as well and the Most
calendars. of this island-wide event. Uplifting Valuable Male and Female Player of

the Tournament. M. Zakil from Zahira from schools’ across the country, we flagship cereal brand of CBL contains
College, Maradana won the award for are glad to have once again sponsored all essential nutrients such as proteins,
the Best Goalkeeper boy’s category the under 15 inter-school football carbohydrates and vitamins required
while Heshani Saumaya Jayasuriya from championship for the seventh consecutive for budding football players.”
Kavisigamuwa Gamini Central College, year. Samaposha remains committed to
Kurunegala emerged the Best Goalkeeper supporting young talent throughout the Samaposha provides children
in the girl’s category. The Most Valuable country. We look forward to a long and especially those engaged in sports
Male Player award was won by Sajik fruitful partnership with the Sri Lanka with the necessary nutrients to
Naufer from Zahira College, Maradana Football Federation and the Sri Lanka enhance their growth and health
and the Most Valuable Female Player Schools Football Association.” through the goodness of corn, rice,
of the tournament was K. Archika from soya and green gram and is 100
Mahajana College, Jaffna. Speaking on Samaposha’s contribution to percent locally manufactured using
Football, Wasantha Chandrapala, General natural ingredients. Samaposha
Speaking on the tournament’s success, Manager of Plenty Foods (Pvt.) Ltd., maintains high quality production and
Shammi Karunaratne, Director/ who was the Chief Guest, said, “Football safety standards and is the recipient of
CEO of Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, said, requires sacrifice, perseverance and the SLS-1036, ISO-22000, HACCP
“Considering the event and its reputation dedication coupled with a well-balanced and GMP certifications.
for identifying budding football players nutritional intake. Samaposha, the
Girl’s champs... Mahajana College, Jaffna

’’
The stars were right handed
batsman Lakshina Rodrigo (over
713 runs), and all-rounder right
St. Peter’s arm off spinner cum batsman

Tanisha Weerakoon (79 wickets).
’’
2016 On a High Note
St. Peter’s captain Vinu Mohotty receives the Rev. Fr Maurice J. Le Goc Memorial Trophy from
St. Jospeh’s Rector Rt. Rev Travis Gabriel who saw to it that fair play prevailed at the 82nd Battle of the Saints.
St.
Peter’s College ended the 2016 304 runs for 9 declared piled up by the Anishka Perera, in a batting line-up up
season on a high note winning batsmen. It took Weerakoon’s seasons’s to number 8 while the bowling revolved
the 82nd Battle of the Saints tally to past 90 wickets. around a pace-spin combination. The right
big match against arch rivals St. Joseph’s handed Lakshina Rodrigo hit a breezy
in clinical fashion. That the win had to be St. Peter’s had four colursmen including unbeaten 26 to give his side the big match
eventually awarded to the Peterites who skipper Vinu Mohotty, Taneesha victory chasing 66 off 12 overs. Anushka
were deprived of hitting the winning 6 Weerakoon, Chandula Jayamanne, Perera was the other opening batsman.
runs with 5 overs in hand after unsporting Lakshina Rodrigo, a national Under-19 The pace bowling department was in the
Josephian spectators tried to stall it cap and Hashan Wanusekera, the Vice form of left armers Dinul Jayakody and
by invading the ground, saw that fair captain. They won four out of their Sadish Pathirana backed by right armers
play prevailed; for which the Josephian nine matches against Maris Stella, Ravinda Silva and Randal Seneviratne.
Rector Rt. Rev Travis Gabriel must be Negombo, St. Benedict’s, Wesley and St. Skipper Mohotty had 50 plus wickets and
commended. Anthony’s, Katugastota - in the inter- over 300 runs to his credit.
school season. The skipper, 18-year old
The Peterite hero was Man of the Match Vinu Mohotty was true to his word in the Coach Malinda Warnapura, a former
Taneesha Weerakoon whose 10 wickets pre-big match assessment that the batting Peterite, who was somewhat cautious
was just reward for some telling spin and bowling was equally balanced as an ahead of the big match, saying that the
bowling. Weerakoon, an all-rounder, who all-round side to reap more success. better side on the day would prevail,
opens the batting, made the difference in deserves a pat on the back for a job well
bamboozling the Josephian batsmen with The side had four centurions – Lakshina done.
6 for 33 in a first innings total of 106 and Rodrigo (over 713 runs with three The rest of the specialist batsmen
4 for 88 in a total of 263 in the second. It centuries), Ranmith Jayasena ( over 640 were Santhush Gunatilleke, Vinul
was the perfect rounding off script to the runs) Hashan Wanusekera (over 590) and Gunawardena and Shelon Rodrigo.

82ND BATTLE OF THE SAINTS
The Peterite big

match hero
THE SQUAD was Man of the
Vinu Mohotty (Capt.), Match Taneesha
Hashan Wanusekera,(Vice capt.) Weerakoon
Tanisha Weerakoon,
whose 10 wickets
Chandula Jayamanne,
Lakshina Rodrigo, was just reward
The right Hashan Wanusekera , for some telling
handed Anishka Perera, spin bowling. It
Lakshina Dinal Jayakody, was the perfect
Rodrigo hit Sadish Pathirana, rounding off
a breezy Ravindu Silva script to the
Randal Seneviratne,
unbeaten 26 304 runs for
Sandush Gunatilleke,
to give his 9 declared
Vinul Gunawardena,
side the big Shelon Rodrigo, piled up by the
match victory Dinesh Fernando, batsmen. It took
chasing 66 Ashanth Malka, Weerakoon’s
off 12 overs. Manelka de Silva, seasons tally to
Ranmith Jayasuriya, past 90 wickets.
Shelon Rodrigo,
Jeremy Fernando,
Sachin Fernando,
Vinul Gunawardena.

SPORTS TODAY Basketball
Sampath Bank Cagers
Merc. Platinum Champs
S
ampath Bank PLC took the
Platinum men’s title defeating
Nation Trust Bank in the
Mercantile 3x3 Basketball Tournament
2016 played at the Henry Pedris
grounds recently.
HNB PLC was the runners-up.
Meanwhile, the men’s gold category

winner was HSBC Global Service
Delivery followed by Sri Lankan
Airlines Ltd., and Commercial Credit
& Finance PLC.
The women’s gold champion was
DFCC Bank with David Pieris Motor
Company Ltd., and NDB Bank PLC 1st
and 2nd runners-up respectively.
The men’s silver category champions
was HSBC Sri Lanka followed by LB
Finance PLC and NDB Bank PLC.
The champion Sampath Bank team

comprised of Chamira Ratnayake,
Asanka Lellwala, Anushka Vishwanath,
Sandun Rathnappriya, M.K. Shiran,
Chanuka Jayasuriya, Vimukthi
Illangasinghe, Hashan Perera, Kavindu
Lokuliyana, Senura Illangasinghe and
Maduranga Munasinghe.

Category Champion Runner Up 2nd Runner Up
Platinum - Men Sampath Bank PLC Nations Trust Bank PLC HNB PLC
Gold - Men HSBC - Global Sri Lankan Airlines Ltd Commercial Credit &
Service Delivery Finance PLC
Silver - Men HSBC Sri Lanka LB Finance PLC NDB Bank PLC
Gold - Women DFCC Bank David Pieris Motor Com- NDB Bank PLC
pany Ltd

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
8th Zahira Invitation Under-20 Rugby 7s

D
efending Champions Isipathana College
Pathana
made rag doll stuff of hosts Zahira College
in a repeat of last year to carry away the
title at the 8th Zahira Invitation Under-20 Schools
Rugby 7s Championships with a facile 39 (7 tries)
-nil win at Zahira College grounds recently.
down hosts
The Player of the Series award went to Isipathana’s
Ranidu Pramodh for whom it was a repeat award
performance having won it last year as well.
Zahira
Isipathana’s half time tally was 17 points.
The Pathanians galloped to the title having

thumped Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa 36-7.
Earlier, in the semi-finals Isipathana beat Prince
of Wales convincingly 36-7 while Zahira defeated
Sarawak Combined Schools, Malaysia after the
match was deadlocked at 19-all at full time.
The winning team received Ranidu Pramodh won the Player of the Series
award for the 2nd year running for his grand
the Cup Championship performance of 4 tries in the final.
and a cash award of Rs.
50,000 while the The winning team received the Cup Championship
and a cash award of Rs. 50,000 while the
runners-up received a runners-up received a trophy and Rs. 25,000.
trophy and Rs. 25,000.
On the way to the title

SPORTS TODAY Diving
Derring
Eighteen - year old Nethmi
Tharuki Liyanage of Visakha
Vidyalaya, Colombo 05 had
the honour of winning a bronze
medal in 1m Spring Board
representing Sri Lanka at the 8th
’’ do
AASF Asian Age Group Diving
Championships in Bangkok,
Thailand 2015. She was her
school diving captain in 2013
which won senior nationals and
age groups under her leadership.
By Grace Wickremasinghe
When I was
C
small, during ommenting on her career,
Nethmi said, “I’m in grade
weekends, I
13, Commerce stream.
used to go to My school life is really interesting
the pool with because I’m mostly involved in
sports especially in diving. Athletics,
my father.
basketball and dancing are my other
There, I saw interests. I was also a junior prefect
some young when I was in grade 10 and was a
senior prefect in grade 12. Since I’m
people diving
involved in sports, I used to miss my
in the pool. I class work but still I’m preparing
was very much myself for A/L’s.
interested
As to her taking to diving, she said,
to see them “When I was small, during weekends,
diving and I used to go to the pool with my father.
’’
There, I saw some young people diving
thought I too
in the pool. I was very much interested
could try it. to see them diving and thought I too
could try it. Therefore, my father taught
me to swim. Since I was interested in
diving, my father encouraged me a lot
to learn to dive. I started diving when I
was just 8 years old. My father played
a very important role, and he is the
reason for where I’m now.”
Tell about Sri Lanka at the

Q AASF Asian Age Group Diving
Championship in Bangkok, Thailand
2015?
She recalled that the AASF Asian Age

Group was her first international tour.
“I was very happy when I heard that
I was selected. From Sri Lanka only
4 girls including me and 8 boys were
selected for the event. Though we
have very limited facilities to practice
diving we were able to compete equally
with other countries. I went on to win a
bronze medal for my country,” she said.

SIMPLY ACROBATIC
As to her training schedule and coaches,

Nethmi said that she usually goes for
practices on weekends. “My first coach
was Mr. Mahinda Liyanage, and now
I’m continuing with Mr. Mahinda
Liyanage and Mr. Esiri Kankanige.”
Was winning age groups and

Q national diving championship a
qualifying factor?
Definitely yes, otherwise, I wouldn’t

have been able to come this far.
Q Who is your role model?
I don’t have a role model as such; I

whole heartedly follow my Lord Jesus
Christ.
What is your most memorable

Q moment in your diving career?
There are many memorable moments in

my diving career. Specifically if I share,
the day I was able to do a dive which I
was finding very difficult to do for long
time. But somehow I managed to do it.
How was the support from home

Q and friends?
I wouldn’t be able to come this far

without my family’s support. Very
specially I want to mention my mother
and my sister. When my father was
living abroad, my mother and my
sister encouraged, supported and were
always there for me to come with me for
practices. They always left all their work
behind and gave me first priority.

SPORTS TODAY Diving
Q What are your future plans?
My future plans are first of all

I want to get through my A/L’s,
then to become a good diver. I
also want to continue my higher
studies after A/L’s. Through it
all, I want to glorify God who
created me in my mom’s womb.
Q Any advice for your divers?
Not an advice, actually I want to

say believe in yourself, believe
in whatever you do and try hard
to achieve it. Always do it in the
right mind, attitude and in the
right way. Always be honest.
’’
There
are many
memorable
moments in my
diving career.
Specifically
if I share the
day I was able
to do a dive
which I was
finding very
difficult to do
for long time.
But somehow
’’
I managed to
do it.

SPORTS TODAY Motor Racing
Brothers Make Riding History

’’
The duo became the
first Sri Lankans to bring
home an international team
championship title for Sri
Lanka by winning the Asia Cup
of Road Race in Japan and
Thailand.
’’
By Chris De Zilva
Just in their early teens brothers

Jaden and Aaron Gunawardena are
champion stuff. Aaron at age 12, and
Jaden at 13, have done Sri Lanka
proud by making a piece of history.
The duo became the first Sri Lankans
to bring home an international team
championship title for Sri Lanka by
winning the Asia Cup of road race in
Japan and Thailand.
As their dad Shane recalls, “In the

first leg in Japan Jaden had a nasty
accident while racing and had to be
airlifted to hospital unconscious, but
Aaron won the race for Sri Lanka.
Then, again in the second leg both
had nasty accidents on the track and
were placed 5th and 6th, but they
overcame the setback to win in the
final round which was conducted in
Thailand.” Gunawardena brothers Jaden and Aaron
Shane has reason to boast that

in the 102-year old history of
the Federation of International
Motorcycling ‘my sons are honoured
to have become the first Sri Lankans
at such a relative young age to win
a championship title for Sri Lanka.’
Thus, to Sri Lanka motor racing
indeed Aaron and Jaden are giant size
national heroes. The championship
title decided on the basis of highest
points saw Sri Lanka with 10 points
edge out Japan followed by Taiwan, Fosing with the Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera... Sri Lanka Federation of
Thailand, Philippines, India and Motorcycle Sports in Sri Lanka and Sports Ministry officials who received the
Nepal. Asia Cup of Road Race trophy in Japan.

How come your
Q champion sons did
not make it to Japan to
collect their award and
were represented by
Sports Ministry and local
motorcycling federation
officials?
“It is just that we did not send

them because they have missed
much of their schooling at
Gateway International Negombo
and also were needed by the
college junior basketball team
which they represent,” replies
their dad who is also quick to
point out that their mom wants
the boys to prioritise their
studies.
Indeed, the success story of the

brothers who have written their
names in the international motor
racing books for their feats, is
extraordinary given their relative
young ages. As dad Shane put
it, “Aaron and Jaden have been
racing from the age of 5. First
it was motor cross, and at 7 and
Dad Shane Gunawardena joins his heroic sons for a picture with the Sports Minister.
8, they were on to road racing
and by ages 8 and 9 they were
national riders. Considering
their age, they beat riders from
the Sri Lanka Forces teams and
other champions atop a 150cc.
By ages 12 and 13 they have
been representing Sri Lanka.”
In fact, the 2016 event was on
a special invitation from the
Japanese Motorcycle Federation
to the brothers. And Shane does
make the salient point that ‘my
sons won the first race beating
top Japanese riders on their own
soil.
The champion Gunawardena brothers Jaden and Aaron at the victory podium
The President of the Federation
following their historic making first ever international team event championship
of Motorcycle Sports in Sri
title winning feat in Japan.
Lanka, Avindra Mirando thus
describes their feat, “We are
greatly humbled and honoured
to receive this award as this is
FAST AND FURIOUS
the first time in the 102 - year
history of the Federation of
International Motorcycling,
the world body for motorcycle
sports, Sri Lanka has ever
been awarded a championship
trophy.”

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
INDOMITABLE
’’
F
MalikSamarawickrema rom an injury limbo
of watching his side
is the main man in from the benches of
Kandy. I don’t think the second round of the League
without him the club Championship following a
nasty collarbone fracture, to
could go forward so leading his side to the Clifford
smoothly. He is so Cup Championship title that
committed that he culminated in a historic triple
titles in 2016 is a type of ‘agony
comes for every match to ecstasy’ round off. It becomes
and offers a few words extra special as Marija voices to
of advice before a SPORTS TODAY in Kandy SC
having completed the triple since
match. Always, Kandy they last did it in 2008.
and the players are at
heart.
’’ “It is very special for me and the

KANDY
whole team that we have achieved the minutes of the end, is a summation to a penalty 10 minutes from full
historic triple without losing a single the so near, but so far 2016 Clifford time against a wilting opposition
match in the three tournaments this Cup rugby final won by Kandy SC by reduced by injury to its best player
year,” he voices. a whisker at the Racecourse Saturday in scrum half Kavindu De Costa
March 26. If the final 31-28 result in the 30th minute of the first half
Indeed, Kandy could not have looked was Kandy’s culminate euphoria to and a Malinda Hettiarachchi yellow
for a better scripting than to see its registering a triple of titles, for the card penalty reflects the Longden
giant play maker back in action, and to Longden Place glamour club that was Place club’s undoing. In effect,
pick up the crown in what proved to be on a glory reviving trail blazer where losing De Costa who had marshaled
a ding dong battle in the final against to have beaten the best team around, CR’s control over Kandy saw the
CR & FC. It could not have been any it must be nothing but the agony of red shirts progressively wilt under
better in a scenario Marija’s team having kicked it asunder. Perhaps, Kandy’s pressure leading to ill
was taxed down to the wire in a nerve it is rife to recall cricket’s world cup disciplined play. CR had flattered
tingling action thriller, prevailing 31-28 winning century making heroic captain and faltered.
having trailed 13-16 at half time. of 1999, Australia’s Steve Waugh
telling Herschelle Gibbs of South
CR FLATTER AND FALTER Africa who had dropped him on a duck In the final estimation, full credit
in a decisive must win game, “You just to Kandy SC who displayed cup
To say that CR & FC threw the dropped the world cup.’ CR leading winning traits in the ability to
Clifford Cup having led to within 10 28-21before Kandy SC equalized from thinning down the opposition in

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
the insulation of the fire power play “I think the young guys from the incumbent Minister of Trade been
the hill country is renowned for that schools played really well. After my to the club’s success?
has made it champion stuff. Therein, injury sidelining, the team was not
coming through to kissing Clifford really settled, but after a few games “Malik is the main man in Kandy.
Cup glory and with it triple success they settled. It took about 2 to 3 games I don’t think without him, the club
in the wake of the 7s title and the to get back to normal,” he comments, could go forward so smoothly. He
League title, was the defining line to and takes a look back at Kandy’s is so committed that he comes for
Kandy Sports Club’s long reign as league title history thus, “We won the every match and offers a few words
the kings of Sri Lanka club rugby. league title from 2004, and in fact, of advice before a match. Always,
That the playmaker captain, Fazil we were unbeaten taking triple titles Kandy and the players are at
Marija was back from injury with consecutively from 2008 up to 2011 heart.”
his inspirational leadership was a except for losses in 2012 and 2013.”
fitting round off to Kandy’s 2016 Despite the demands of his
campaign. How was the stand in man for you
Q ministerial functions, he has the
Q in the job before? time for the club?
As the 30-year old ice cool former
Sri Lanka captain, regarded “Roshan Weeraratne, the scrum half “Certainly. He is the same as before
as the country’s most prized did a very good job as stand in captain he became a minister - hundred per
player, matching Asia’s best of in the league. He was a good leader.’’ cent behind Kandy Sports Club.”
heavyweights, reflects, “It is a happy
ending. I had been practicing for the Marija, who rates the first round How well are the players looked
last two weeks for the big one.” matches against Police Sports Club and Q after by the club?
The famous fly half, who took Sri CR & FC as having being a bit tough
Lanka to No. 3 in Asia next to Japan ‘when we struggled a bit’, contends Financially, Kandy players are
and Hong Kong in 2013 defeating Kandy SC was somewhat handicapped looked after very well by the club.
South Korea, says he owes his in 2015 pre-season practices with ‘most Even in the case of injury, the club
career success to commitment and of our pack line – Gayan Weerakoon, pays. Everthing is taken care of.
discipline. As to the League Title Nigel Ratwatte, Richard Dharmapala, That’s why the players enjoy the
success, Marija says, “It was our Sooriyabandara and Lavanga Perera game as professionals. End of the
forwards who did the job for us. on national duty with the 7s team up to day, it is to win and we are enjoying
They were better than the backs. It October. it.
made things much easier than last
year. Watching from the bench” He sees the reemergence of Havelocks COUNTS DAYS ON CAREER
In fact, it was a happy turnaround SC as good for the game. “They looked
where in the past it was the back row more competitive than in the recent Of course, this illustrious player,
that did the spade work to trophy past. I believe it was because they got who from last year decided to shift
blitz.” most of the school leavers.” gear playing as centre too, tied the
nuptial knot in December 2015
COACH SEAN A FINE JOB OVER THE MOON with Yasara Abeynaike, a corporate
executive. He is quietly counting the
And he is quick to give credit Having skippered Kandy fruitfully for days when he intends calling it a
where it is due when he says, “It two years in 2010 and 2015-’16, on a day on his rugby career. “In another
was the former captain of over a personal note, Marija is over the moon two to three seasons for Kandy, I’m
year ago, Sean Wijesinghe turned about his career. “In my 12th year with planning to retire,” announces the
team coach who really did a good Kandy SC, I’m so satisfied. The club former Kingswood College product
job in fashioning the forwards management has looked after me so who in a sensational schoolboy
to tremendous potential.” The very well. The bottom line has been to career, cut a swathe captaining
combination that translated it into win. his alma mater to trophy glory
action was Kisho Jehan, Damith at all age levels of sevens and
Dissanayake, Piumal Manchanayake, What is it that has made you the first fifteen rugby. “My last year
Dimitri Wijesinghe, Buwaneka
Q club’s and Sri Lanka’s most prized with Kingswood in 2004, we were
Udagamuwa, Soyuru Anthony, player as a fly half who delivers the unbeaten. My reputation as a player
Shehan Pathirana. Significantly, tries? and captain helped me make the
it saw a twin fusion adding to the Kandy team,” he recalls.
fuselage of the ever reliable back “It is hard training and discipline.
row in Roshan Weeraratne, Richard Without discipline you cannot achieve Internationally, one of his best
Dharmapala, Nigel Ratwatte and results.” games was when Sri Lanka defeated
Gayan Weeraratne. What was Trinidad and Tobago in the 3rd
unique was the team cohesion that How impactful has your club place Shield play off at the 2015
saw the front row score tries as well. president, Malik Samarawickrema, the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

“They are a tough side, and it was a medium sized, but well muscled frame, Once he calls curtains on
tough match well won. I would put it as are the tell tale signs of tremendous the game, Marija intends
one of the best. homework done on the field moving contributing his input as a coach
the rugby ball; and as much on the while concentrating on his job
MOST MEMORABLE fitness front of gym work, jogging and the family front.
and the entire gamut that makes the
“In the 7s format, my most memorable Sri Lankan not second to any of the Role models to a stellar career
game was in the 2013 Hong Kong heavyweights in Asia. have been locally, Indrajith
Sevens when we became 3rd in Asia Coomaraswamy, ex-Kandy
next to Japan and Hong Kong beating An executive at Mas Holdings, Marija SC, and internationally Daniel
South Korea,” comments Fazil Marija. does look forward to the Olympic Carter of the All Blacks.
Remarkably physically structured in a qualifier in Portugal.

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
Lasantha Wijesuriya
Kandy SC Chairman says
Improvement
Year to Year
Behind Success
K
andy Sports Club’s contracts with us. We keep them on But discipline-wise see how they are
Chairman, Lasantha probation of 2 to 3 months allowing looking after the players. They are not
Wijesuriya puts down the them to decide whether to stay or move looking after the players very well. It
hill country clubs decade’s long on. We, at Kandy, are unlike most other is like the saying Poradanneanethuwa
domination of domestic rugby to clubs that don’t give decent contracts paladawaganna hadanawa,” he
making the event an improvement and finally don’t pays players,” laments. ‘‘That is where Kandy makes
year to year. comments Wijesuriya who adds further the difference – commitment and
ammunition to it that ‘Kandy, not only perfection with no short cuts.’’
“It has been by that year by year pay players well, but look after them
basis of improvement that the very well – their families as well so that He is full of praise for the team which
Kandy SC management has done they do not have any encumbrances he points out suffered a very big
a big job with the foreign coaches, - their jobs and sickness.’ “In case of drawback when ‘Fazil went down.’
other expertise and facilities in a sickness, the club would even send Hopefully, we will be in the knock
continuation of success. It has been them to countries like Australia for out finals. I think in the k/o there
the people behind Kandy Sports medical treatment. “Young players will be a challenge, but Kandy SC is
Club in making it such a champion enjoy very good contracts with us. geared to make it to the big one. On
side. Kandy has been a team that’s We keep them on probation of 2 to the tournament front, the chairman
been very good since 1993 which is 3 months allowing them to decide is thankful to the Sri Lanka Rugby
a very good record,” is the dynamic whether to stay or move on. We, at Football Union (SLRFU) for its support
chairman and former illustrious Kandy, are unlike most other clubs that year by year, and also to the Referees
captain’s summation of Kandy SC. don’t give decent contracts and finally Committee for an untiring job.
This he backs by the performance don’t pay players,” You, see , this is like
ratio of 17 out of 23 league titles in a school here at Kandy Sports Club,” MALIK’S MADE THE DIFFERENCE
the club’s trophy cupboard. he impacts.
From the club perspective, the
Wijesuriya is personally proud of Easing on to the 2016 league title Kandy SC Chairman singles out
this record in that he is the first curve, the chairman underlines that incumbent Minister of Trade, Malik
unbeaten captain for Kandy Sports the year has given the club a clear Samarawickrema as ‘the’ man who
Club in winning all three trophies analysing insight that was not possible made the difference to Kandy SC’s
– the league, knock out and 7’s. hitherto with the foreign player influx. success since 1993. “His style and
The Chairman goes on to relate to “The barring of foreign players made system is what we have combined to
the transcending of Kandy SC’s the difference this year for us to get making Kandy SC what it is today.
domination of local rugby football a thorough insight into getting the Our next goal is to upgrade the club
by his ‘phased out improvement’ best local talent on song,” Wijesuriya to the next level in keeping with the
phraseology to the highly talented opines. international system in becoming
player nucleus; a nucleus that among the top clubs in world rugby
qualifies Kandy SC as the No.1 KANDY-COLOMBO THE as the champs of Asia. We would
among the Asian clubs. DIFFERENCE also endeavour to ensure that Kandy
players would be able to play overseas
PLAYERS WELL LOOKED AFTER He sees it realistic to compare the club rugby to further their careers
Kandy and Colombo gamut. which would be good for the national
“Young players enjoy very good “Colombo has the best facilities. cause as well,” concludes the chairman.

Manager Kapila de Silva
This credit has
to go to the boys
“T
his credit has to go to the an ‘all in one basket’ commitment of going undisturbed. The stand in
boys. They are very good the club periphery that has been the skipper Roshan Weeraratne had done
and a young team with the knitting bond ship to the Clifford Cup an equitable job in the circumstances.
seniors leading the youngsters better and the 7s and League titles before The triple titles were the effort of the
than any other club,” is how the that to Kandy’s long domination team that had reached cohesion from
Manager of Kandy Sports Club, Kapila of local club rugby. The role by the individual gelling from months long
de Silva sums up the team’s league title medical staff headed by Dr. Henry training. Therefore, his appreciation
success. Suraweera, Orthopedic Surgeon of the and thanks to all the players. Mention
Peradeniya Hospital was immeasurable has to be made of Kandy’s former
He stresses that the pivotal sponsorship in retaining a healthy, fit, winning head coach Mat Turner who had
boon from Cargills as the main sponsor combination. The role of the coach contributed his mite since October
and Etisalat and Singer has been the Sean Wijesinghe was as much in the 2015 to fine tuning the players.
leverage to sustaining team success combinative practice sessions that Of course, the centerpiece of the
in terms of ensuring the players were progressively peaked towards the club’s sustenance has been Malik
well looked after to deliver with the trophy glitz. His job was supplemented Samarawickrema, the incumbent
ball. If sponsorship is one component, by the fact that the seniors were stellar Minister of Trade who had long
the support from the Kandy Sports stuff by long ingraining experience, fostered its progress.
Club committee in directing operations the focus being on ensuring the young
towards maximising the team effort uns got their act together. The loss of
towards trophy success was the high skipper Fazil Marija, in the league,
point of a job well done at management was a bad blow, but Kandy had the
level. As Kapila de Silva puts it, it was necessary cover to keep the rhythm

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
Malik Samarawickrema
THE GODFATHER
OF KANDY SC
It
has been the driving supremacy among the clubs. For a club last twenty years, which is the most
passion of Mr. Malik whose history dates back to its home number of wins by any club since the
Samarawickrema, the grounds Bogambara until 1939 when expanded competition commenced in
Minister of Development Strategies the British Colonial Army took over 1950. In the period between 1995 and
and International Trade, for the during the Second World War, and later 2012 the club did not lose a Clifford
rugby football sport that has been the buildings being taken over by the Cup title, although in 1998 there was
the fruition to the Kandy Sports General Hospital to house its offices, it is no tournament and in 2006 the club
Club as a champion side for a record a tribute to the men who transformed it; withdrew from the tournament. Kandy
several decades. When one speaks of transformation to contemporary super SC has won the league title for a record
Kandy Sports Club, the name Malik status from having had to play rugby nine consecutive years between 2000
Samarawickrema is synonymous with without a club house at the Bogambara and 2009.
the well being of the hill country club grounds. It was in 1949 Kandy Sports
as the godfather of Kandy Sports Club began to stand on its feet as a From 1997 to 2009 Kandy SC has won
Club. Ever since he got involved with wholesome organisation when the every President’s Trophy Knockout
the club in 1992, Kandy Sports Club Municipal Council released the garbage Tournament with the exception of the
underwent a vast transformation dumping ground area at Nittawela to the 1998 series, where it lost 26-30 in the
when he was elected as its president club. final round to CR & FC.
since 1993 to becoming the No.1 club
in the country. Significantly, it is the advent of Malik On March 10, 2010 the rugby team
Samarawickrema in the 1990s that of the Kandy Sports Club left for a
Founded in 1874 by group expatriate changed the club’s destinies. His 15-day tour of Dubai and South Africa.
coffee planters and others working influence has been such that every player The club played one match in Dubai
in the plantations sector in and spoken to looks to the man with great and two in South Africa. This was
around Kandy, as the Kandy reverence to a point some of them saying the first time Kandy SC toured two
Athletic, Boating, Cricket, Football that ‘Malik Samarawickrema is my role different countries on one tour. The
and Dancing Club, the name was model.’ T club is known to have produced many
changed to Kandy Sports Club 14 illustrious players including former Sri
years later, in 1888, when the club Lanka captains Priyantha Ekanayake,
also started playing rugby, hockey Kandy Sports Club has been the most Indrajith Coomaraswamy and
and polo. But it progressively solely successful Sri Lankan club in the Dialog incumbent captain Fazil Marija who
prioritised rugby football in what has Rugby League, winning 17 of the 23 titles was the national captain till early 2016.
been a type of rollercoaster ride to as well as eighteen Clifford Cups, in the

Stand in Captain
Roshan Weeraratne says
It was the team
and coach’s effort
R
oshan Weeraratne, who ALL 35 PLAYERS CONTRIBUTED BROTHERS PIECE OF HISTORY
deputised for the injured Fazil
Marija in the second round “It was the team effort and Coach “My mom and dad didn’t know
matches, considers leading the side in Sean Wijesinghe’s contribution in anything about rugby, but after
the rest of the matches to winning the getting the job done that brought us me and my bro started playing for
2016 League title triumph as an honour; the title. There were 35 players in Kingswood College, they backed us
and as much, from a team outlook an the squad at the start of the season, giving all the encouragement and
amazing feat after 7 years in heading and importantly, every one of them turning up at every match to spur us
for a triple success since last landing the played at some time or another. Some on,” recalls Roshan.
triple in 2008. got injured and every one had to
raise their hands to contribute to the That the two brothers have made a
“It was a great honour for me personally trophy success. I would say the team piece of history in representing the
to lead the Kandy Sports Club to the did a good job,” he says. club and Sri Lanka is something of
League title in the absence of our regular personal pride to them and the family.
captain Fazil Marija from the second Also an executive at Mas Holdings Roshan recalls that a historic moment
round matches. From a team perspective, along with brother Gayan where the to remember was when he and Gayan
I would say it’s been simply amazing players job front is mainly secured played for Sri Lanka which emerged
in going for the triple title to which we with the country’s leading lingerie 2013 Asian League champions
are two steps away having won the 7s manufacturing company, Roshan, defeating Kazakhstan in the finals
title as well,” says Weeraratne, a former who did a wonderful job in rallying in Colombo under the captaincy of
product of Kingswood College, and the team in the absence of their Yoshitha Rajapaksa.
whose younger brother Gayan form the heavyweight Marija, stresses that in
nucleus in giving a brothers input to the circumstances the teamwork that Roshan Weeraratne is appreciative
Kandy SC. The pivotal scrum half whose walked the talk for Kandy. of the Kandy SC hierarchy that has
brother Gayan occupies the key centre looked after the players to making
position in that brotherhood contribution Roshan and Gayan have been with them potential match winners.
to Kandy’s good fortunes, is quick to put the club since 2009 soon after their Looking after their welfare from
down the league success to an all-round college careers, and the former has health and fitness, remuneration
team effort. words of gratitude to his parents who and sponsorship security has been
showed them the way throughout the club’s supportive effort towards
their careers. trophy success.

SPORTS TODAY General
Anula Sports Champion Stuff
’’ Anula Under-19 cricketers with Head Coach Sahan Deshappriya
Entering By Sonia Diaz

through
the college
G
one are the days
gates, it is a when schools’ cricket
was considered an
refreshing exclusive preserve of the boys.
sight to see The international cricketing
upswing in the past decade
the Anula or so that saw Sri Lanka’s
Under-19 fairer sex drawn to the sport
in a big way, has resultantly
cricketers sowed the seeds among the
girls’ schools. So much so
display a keen that today, those little girls
interest to give from junior level flexing their
muscles has become common
their career habit. In such an environ,
details. Anula Anula College, situated some
meters from the precincts
has produced of the Nugegoda junction,
a Sri Lanka is no exception. Entering
through the college gates, it
player in is a refreshing sight to see the
Madsushika Anula Under-19 cricketers
display a keen interest to give
Anula Vidyalaya’s champion athletes -18-year old Lakshi
Rupasinghe(C), Nalindi Nimethma and Sendini Siyakma, both
Perera.
’’ their career details. 14 year olds. Nadeesha Ariyaratne is the Teacher in Charge

It’s quite a heavy day as most of the to change the nature of a game. She now sprinter, high jumper and hurdler. She
schoolgirls are out of the classrooms in represents Navy Sports Club.’ came 3rd in the U-15 100m. at the 2015
a dress rehearsal for the college sports Other outstanding Anula cricketers Western Province Schools’ Games. She
meet. In the hurried rituals, a meet up are Harini Sulakkana Hewathanthri regards as special her achievement of
with Sumana Karunaratne leads us who is the the 2016 U-19 captain and winning the 100m. Juniors at the Lanka
to the Teacher and Master in Charge Hashitha Madavi Dissanayake, the Lions Sports Club organised Athletic
respectively Shamalie Priyanthi and vice captain., the latter who is in the Meet in 2015. She was also 2nd in both
Sujeewa Samarawickrema. A small national development squad. They the U-14 Junior hurdles and high jump at
wait and a trek further up are the Anula owe their success to Head Coach the Sir Tarbet Shield Championships the
cricketers clad in Maroon T-shirts and Sahan Deshappriya, a Sri lanka Cricket same year. Her perseverance also took her
Blue jeans eagerly awaiting the picture (SLC) accredited Level-II and a former to 2nd place in the U-14 80m. hurdles at
take and to furnish their details. Isipathana College cricketer. the 42nd Ceylonese Track & Field Club
Junior Athletic Championships in 2015.
CRICKET CHAMPS It does speak volumes of ‘Anula cricket’
as the die hards would call it. Sendini Siyakma has excelled in long
Indeed, Anula Vidyalaya has been no jump juniors: 2nd in the U-14 event at
flash in the pan of girls’ schools’ cricket. Anula Vidyalaya also boasts of some the 2015 Ceylonese Track & Field Club’s
Cricket was introduced to the school in champion athletes in 18-year old Lakshi 42nd Junior Athletic Championships; 3rd
2012, but in only one year they went on Rupasinghe and Nalindi Nimethma and in the U-14 long jump at the 2015 Sir
to become the 2013 Under-19 All Island Sendini Siyakma, both 14 year olds. John Tarbet Shield Meet .
Champions over 32 teams and repeated
the feat in 2014. The victorious captain Lakshi has performed admirably in the Nadeesha Ariyaratne is the Teacher in
was Madsushika Perera who went on to U-19 javelin throw from a junior whose Charge, and the Head Coach M.W. Titus
make it to the national team to date. She commitment earned her the honour and Assistant Coach T. Arjuna.
made such an impression that she was of becoming the only girl from Anula
promoted to vice captain for the 2014 Vidyalaya in its athletic history to win Thirteen-year old Minuri Tharika is the
world cup. colours at the 2015 Western Province top swimmer who has excelled in the
Athletic Championships. She also came U-11 age group winning five events – 50
As the modest Teacher in Charge, 3rd in the U-20 javelin throw at the 2015 fly, 50 backstrokes, 50 breaststrokes,
Shamalie Ariyaratne puts it, “Madushika National Youth Sports Festival, and 50 freestyle and 200 intermediate when
is the only school girl who played for Sri 2nd in the U-18 event at the Lambert Anula Vidyalaya emerged champions
Lanka. Then she was just 18 years which Championships the same year. over Mahamaya College, Kandy
is quite an achievement. What is more and Visakha Vidyalaya, at the 2012
she is an all-rounder who has the ability Nelinda Nimethma is an all-rounder – Pentathlon Meet. She was 9 years then.
The U-19 team with Cricket Master in Charge Sujeewa Samarawickrema and Teacher Shamalie Priyanthi

SPORTS TODAY Kung Fu
’’
China, which has been found wanting in
recognising Asia’s most famous man, has at long
last begun to project the former martial arts superstar
who became the first Asian to break the Western
monopoly of Hollywood actors by his now legendary
Warner Brothers production of ‘Enter the Dragon
’’
Bruce Lee Exhibition in Beijing
A
Bruce Lee Exhibition opened in With the exhibition about the immortal film Shannon Lee is the second child of Bruce
Beijing on March 6, 2016 with a and Kungfu star, Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee and his wife Linda Emery and she
theme of “Be water, my friend” Lee, conveys the essential philosophical was only 4 years old when her father died
which is also one of the martial-arts concept that describes her father’s life-force, suddenly in 1973.
legend’s most famous quotes. which is “Empty your mind, be formless,
shapeless like water”. Shannon also revealed that two new
The exhibition featured dozens of Bruce The Kungfu star’s daughter also adds that she biopic films about her father are now in
Lee-related artifacts, which included his never stops connecting to her father’s legacy. production.
black martial arts coat, a mask he used
in the TV series “The Green Hornet”, as “We really want to use my father’s message The exhibition ran until Sunday at Beijing
well as the breakdown for the movie “The and philosophy to inspire people to be the SKP and all of the exhibits were on loan
Game of Death”, which Lee wrote. best version of themselves. He didn’t want from the Bruce Lee Foundation in the
Turning martial arts into a global people to copy others; he wanted people United States. (CRIENGLISH.com)
phenomenon, Bruce Lee remains a world to look inside themselves and understand
icon even today, some four decades after who they are, and be the best version of
his death. themselves.”

Dialog Powered SL Cricketers

’’
D
The President, ialog Axiata threw its weight around the Sri
Lanka T20 team for the 2016 Asia Cup in
SLC, Thilanga Bangladesh.
Sumathipala was
highly appreciative of The official sponsorship was brokered at the
Sports Ministry Auditorium with Dialog’s Group
Dialog’s gesture which Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, Dr. Hans
he described as hugely Wijayasuriya handing over the package to the
supportive of the Sri President, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Thilanga
’’
Sumathipala. The occasion was graced by the Sports
Lanka cricket team. Minister, Dayasiri Jayasekara, Sri Lanka T20 captain
Lasith Malinga, Coach Graham Ford, Vice-Presidents,
SLC, Jayantha Dharmadasa and Moham Silva and
Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dialog Axiata, Mrs.
Amali Nanayakkara.
The President, SLC, Thilanga Sumathipala was highly

appreciative of Dialog’s gesture which he described as
hugely supportive of the Sri Lanka cricket team.
Dialog Axiata PLC’s ‘Wish & Win’ competition also

took pride of place benefitting cricket fans.
Chief Executive of Dialog Axiata PLC, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya hands over the sponsorship package to the President, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), Thilanga
Sumathipala. Others (L to R): Group Chief Marketing Officer, Dialog Axiata, Mrs. Amali Nanayakkara,Vice-President SLC, Jayantha Dharmadasa, Sports
Minister, Dayasiri Jayasekara, SL T20 Captain Lasith Malinga, General Secretary SLC, Mohan Silva and Coach Graham Ford.

Exclusive
Corporate Sector
72% HUNCHED
M
othilal Jayathilake is a name world champions including
synonymous with physical his son. His immense
fitness and youth well being; so knowledge as a fitness
much so that this high profile personality trainer and rugby
in the business of shaping young men coach saw Mothilal
and women, particularly on the Sri play a pivotal role
Lankan sports front, transcends to foreign in churning out
pastures. A man of many parts in the Sri champion rugby
Lankan sports arena, with a ‘no nonsense’ teams and players
attitude to driving his charges to at school and club
perfection in what he does, he sports the level as head coach cum
credentials of an European - not only in trainer from Kingswood College
the sense of putting his charges through to S. Thomas’, St. Peter’s, Science, St. IMPORTANCE OF CROSS FITNESS
their rituals in attending to minute details Jospeh’s, Ananda and St. Anthony’s,
of adjusting their body postures and the Kandy SC, Havelocks, CH & FC, Army What is significant to Sri Lanka on the
gamut, but also by a driving personality. and Navy. He is a Rugby Sevens Level fitness front courtesy Mothilal Jayathilake
His well kept physique is a leading by 2 coach and Level - 3 15s Strength is that he is presently working as a
example factor. In his dictionary, body Conditioning Trainer and Level 2 High Cross Fitness Trainer basically running
posture plays a significant part, he insists Performance Trainer as a Fellow of the a strength and conditioning academy at
while adjusting young men and women Stallonebouch South Africa. Jayathilake the Vaaj Fitness Centre at Jayasundera
how to maintain their postures. is also weather beaten by the rugby Mawatha, Nawala.
knowhow acquired by training with top
Player, trainer, rugby coach, administrator Japanese and French clubs and South From the horse’s mouth, “Cross
and international referee, Mothilal African 7s teams. fitness is varied functional movement
Jayatilleke’s highly accomplished all- performed at high level of intensity.
round potential saw him in the role of “I go to France annually and get into Cross fitness is a new trend in the
director, physical education, University the thing,” he says of how he updates world. It’s really good at Vaaj Cross
of Peradeniya 1985 to 2007; a career his rugby knowledge.” The expert’s Fitness Centre which is the only and
driving period when he was instrumental motivation has earned him useful friends the first centre in SL. I train more than
in setting up the infrastructural work for such as renowned international coaches 10 to 15 athletes per day.”
the gymnasium, swimming pool and the - Frederick of France, Mike Friday of
sports science course medical faculty that the USA and Ben Ryan of Fiji where “It is a long term athletic development
has enriched generations of students. Mothilal observes rugby football is fast programme on strength and conditioning
evolving, On the local schools’ rugby with accent on kids. It is unfortunate
WEATHERBEATEN RUGBY MAN front, the man has set up 56 trophies with Sri Lanka waits till a child turns 16
Kingswood, St. Peter’s and S. Thomas’. years to go to the gym. In high tech
“My time at the university bordered on He is also proud that he coached the countries, gym training begins at zero
reaching to international level. Now, little known Science College to defeat age,” the expert goes on. “A two-month
Sri Lanka participates in the University Trinity College up in the hills. Among old infant is an example that physical
World Games every three years. Looking the clubs, his tenure earned Kandy SC 2 movement starts as early as when you
back, I am happy my efforts bore fruit in trophies and Havelocks and Navy 1 each are two months. “When you are two
Sri Lanka getting recognised by the world as fitness trainer. He also drove Carlton months natural resistance training
body,” drawls the fitness fanatic who also Sports Club’s 7’s rugby campaign on begins. Importantly, fitness training must
served as the president of the Sri Lanka a successful note as coach for 10 years therefore, commence at zero where a
University Sports Association. A power from 2004 to 2014. Some oh his protégés child learns the fundamentals”.
lifting expert, Mothilal, father of Ransilu, were Fazil Marija, Muthuthanthri,
the recent Commonwealth Games triple Vilwana, Gayan Weeraratne and Richard He advices the earlier you start resistance
gold medalist, is credited with producing Dharmapala. training the better. The stronger they are
many South Asian, Commonwealth and at young age, the stronger they will be

as adults. It’s a long term development “The main reason Sri Lanka is
process. It actually starts as soon as they not winning is because we don’t POSTURE CORRECTION
crawl. have an infrastructure and mind
set. Physical activity playing is a
Today’s biggest challenge training priority in developed countries.
adolescents in Strength and Conditioning Take rugby star Dan Carter of New
is they do not know how to move. Zealand. He plays for Metro 92 in
Specialised in one sport we see France for a pay packet of 1 million
incredible structural imbalance or Euros, but comes when he is needed
body dysfunction already at a young to play for his country. Sri Lanka’s
age. Such cases might need to be sent biggest problem is infrastructure. In
to outside specialists. countries like England and Australia
there are lots of programmes for
Jayathilake’s salient health related factor children - fundamentals like running,
important to all ages, particularly adults, pushing, rolling climbing etc. The
“You have to be functional to stay fit strength you acquire as a child
even at an elderly age. You have to move that makes you strong.”
well and often. If not, you become obese
and it leads to various illnesses ranging WHAT UNDERMINES SRI LANKA
from high blood pressure, diabetics,
kidney ailments etc. In sports science, it A man whose passion has taken
is first about movement, performances him to Roland Garros, says of it,
and then skill. But in Sri Lanka they tend “They have the academy system.
to start with skill which is detrimental In China and India also it’s the
by skipping the basics. That is why in same. In Malaysia, where the world
Sri Lanka, posture has become a big badminton champion Ling Chong
problem.” comes from, they select a child from
age 6 for sports training. Its fulltime.
As it is, in Sri Lanka, posture and Tell me one academy in Sri Lanka
balance had got skewed up to alarming that does running full time. It’s
proportions. A staggering 72 per cent in all only part time. That’s where
the corporate sector comprising mainly we fail. And we don’t have a single
of young people are hunched. This was strength and conditioning training
mainly due to present living styles which mechanism. Sri Lankan gyms are
he describes as ‘the enemy of your all wellness training centres, not for
body’. It starts with child lifestyles. sports training. All those machines
Emotions are a common contributory and treadmills are good for wellness
factor. His list of contributory factor training and not for sports training.
drawbacks to getting bad postures: * Not In sports, it is all about strength
in correct position; *Emotions leading conditioning machines. You must
to bent heads (text neck) is one of the know the difference between sports
biggest problems in Sri Lanka; *Lack of training and wellness training.”
physical activity; *Negative thinking.
“National champions like Dinesh
Posture corrections should be done in a Kanthan and Thisuri Molligoda
specific way by lifting weights or from (Tennis), Achnini Rathnasiri
another activity it’s difficult to correct it. (Badminton), Sajeen Silva (Rowing),
Heshan Hulugalla (Swimming),
POSTURE & THE CENTRAL NERVOUS Nadini Udangawa (Squash) done
SYSTEM their S & C training with me.
Similarly the Water Polo, Volleyball,
“At my fitness center people come to Kabadi, Wrestling and Rowing
the gym scared. Most are ignorant and teams in Strength and Conditioning
need guidance. One of the key subjects at and became national champions”.
the center is posture corrective methods
which is my new subject. In exercising, “I represented Sri Lanka in 4 sports
the spine is No. 1 because it controls the - weightlifting, power lifting, body
central nervous system. Especially in building and strength building and
the ageing process you have to be very achieved national level in wrestling
careful.” and athletics, also played A Division
rugby for Kandy Sports Club and
On the Sri Lankan sports front, he says, Kandy Youth,” he concludes.

SPORTS TODAY General
’’
Walkers
Tours
won the
netball
title
for the
fourth
year
’’
Goal Rings 7’s - John Keells
Netball-Football C’ship
By Yureshya Perera
G
oal Rings 7’s, the Inter Company The ‘Golden Boot’ was awarded to Ahmed
Netball and Football Tournament Ali of JKMR “B” whilst the ‘Best Goal
of the John Keells Group was Keeper’ award was bagged by Khaisham
held on March 5 at CR & FC. Zakee of JKMR “B” team.
Seven teams from various Group Since its inception, Goal Ring 7’s has
Companies participated in the Netball become an eagerly awaited annual event
tournament with Walkers Tours, one of in the John Keells Group’s Sports calendar
the premier Destination Management bringing passion, excitement and healthy
Companies (DMC) in the country,
winning the title for the fourth
’’
competition between the Group companies.
consecutive year. The team from Jay Kay Gayanga Boteju of Walkers Tours
Marketing Services, operator of Keells was adjudged the ‘Best Shooter’
Supermarkets, a prominent supermarket while the ‘Best Overall Player’
chain in the country, was the Runner-up. was Sherangi De Alwis of Walkers
Gayanga Boteju of Walkers Tours was

Tours.
’’
adjudged the ‘Best Shooter’ while the
‘Best Overall Player’ was Sherangi De
Alwis of Walkers Tours.
A record number of 24 teams took part
in the Football tournament this year, and
the ‘B’ team from John Keells Maldivian
Resorts (JKMR) emerged champions.
The team from Cinnamon Red, the
hotel which brings a new model of Lean
Luxury to South East Asia, became the
Runner-up.

’’
John Keells Maldivian
Resorts ‘B’ team clinched the
’’
football title.

Maximising
Lack of professionalism - a
non existing Organisational
Culture, poor reputation
and image has placed
the Organization in a very
Productivity at SLC
challenging situation in
achieving our goals. Therefore,
a four year Strategic Plan will be
developed which includes the
SLC’s new Mission, Vision which
encompasses Corporate values
and a New Strategic Direction to
create an effective and efficient
Governing Body for Cricket.
Our Vision is to inculcate a
Corporate Culture to develop
Professional Leadership driven
by Core Values such as Integrity,
Transparency, Professionalism,
Accountability, Team Work,
Innovation and Creativity.
Ensuring efficiency and
productivity in a transparent
manner would be prioritised.
The administration would be
solely restructured for maximum
manpower productivity with
emphasis on the marketing front.
range of areas the Thilanga Sumathipala You think Atapattu had done a good
S
ri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC), Q
General Secretary, Mohan administration is addressing in the wake job?
de Silva is insightful on far of duly elected office bearers after a long
reaching areas prioritising the Sri Lanka hiatus when cricket was administered Well at that time he was the best available
cricket team soon after the Thilanga by interim committees. De Silva, who and I would say that he did reasonably
Sumathipala administration came into has been long involved with cricket well given the challenges he had to
power; foremost of which was hiring administration that dips at club level confront with.
an expert foreign coach in view of to the SSC where he is a very senior
the national cricket team badly gone Administrator, is directly in charge of Unfortunately, he was given an
adrift, instilling discipline, ensuring the tackling administration at SLC. unceremonious exit and we went without
International Cricket Council’s (ICC) a coach for almost one year.
Anti Corruption rules are followed to the WAS IN A MESS
Would you agree that during his
letter following certain unethical practices
If hiring of a top notch foreign coach
Q tenure the batting of particularly
in the recent past, maximising finances by
better using SLC marketing manpower in Graham Ford was No. 1 in a no go Dinesh Chandimal declined from what
resources in looking at revenue driving scenario, addressing the team combination was a tremendous start to his career. The
viable international windows from cricket that had badly declined was the other job of the batting coach which Atapattu
activities like the 2016 August-September burning issue. “Things had clearly got was at one time, and later head coach,
Australia cricket team to Sri Lanka. The skewed up in a situation where two of our is to fix form problems of batsmen,
means would be to ensure efficiency and most senior players Mahela Jayawardene especially the techniques. But Chandimal
productivity in a transparent manner. and Kumar Sangakkara had retired, and continued to go down a slippery slope.
“The administration would be solely local coach Marvan Atapattu had quit. Coaches are paid to do the job?
restructured for productivity because We saw a huge void. We realised the
we feel that the existing structure is urgent need for a coach of some stature “I believe there is an issue of man
unable to generate maximum manpower to look after the team instead of stop gap management with local coaches. It is a
productivity,” he reasons. coaches. It was the immediate need and wanting factor.”
had to act fast to fill that void and in the
Mohan de Silva, a past president of circumstances, Mr. Sumathipala acted fast Aren’t steps being taken to address
SLC and a handpicked man of Thilanga to hire Graham Ford. We saw the need
Q that area?
Sumathipala for his far reaching insight to give confidence to the young players,”
in administration, stresses on a wide looks back Mohan de Silva. “We do conduct coacher education

’’ The coaching structure cricketers in the wake of the match fixing
overtures leading to the sacking of fast
would be completely
bowling coach Anusha Samaranayake
overhauled with Kumar and his net bowling associate, Gayan
Sangakkara and Mahela Wisvajith, he stresses that ‘all safeguards
Jayawardene to serve on have been taken against such evils.’ “The
the cricket committee ICC anti - corruption unit is inquiring on
advising us on all the match fixing overtures and our guys
cricket matters from have given their report.”
about August this year.
As to the scrapping of the Mahela
Together with Aravinda
Jayawardene driven domestic tournament
de Silva, they would strike
format to broad base cricket island-wide,
a forceful triangle.
’’ Silva insists ‘not that we have scrapped it.
In fact, the provincial tournament in 2001
was initiated by Thilanga Sumathipala.
programmes and experts do speak at Up Twice. Therefore, the system is still The thinking is the same. However, in this
work shops. We need to introduce new satisfactory. I am convinced that the Club instance, a suitable mechanism to maintain
techniques and new thinking in line with Premier Tournaments must continue, but eligibility of players and team loyalty has
international cricket to keep abreast with in order to create more competition for the not been established. As I said before,
the changing times.” elite players, we need to create another we will discuss with all relevant parties
tournament whether you call it Zonal or and arrive at the most suitable formula
ARAVINDA TO LIASE WITH FORD Provincial with about 5 to 6 teams consisting that would be beneficial for our country’s
of about 60 to 70 of the best players cricket.
Silva goes on to drop the good news that competing at a higher level.
Aravinda de Silva, who is the Chairman On the marketing front, Mohan Silva
of Selectors, has pledged his support on We propose to have a brain storming session intends targeting as many leading Sports
the coaching front as well. with a 2-day workshop on this subject. All Marketing establishments to enhance
“Aravinda will look at the coaching stakeholders, administrators, past captains, SLC’s revenue streams. Stressing the need
structure along with Graham Ford to coaches and umpires will be invited to to think out of the box, Silva says, “We
make it more practical and pragmatic,” formulate the best possible tournament need to find the right Commercial Partners
he says while adding that, “We’ve had a structure for Sri Lanka Cricket. to maximise our revenue and build value
coaching department, but I can’t see we propositions to achieve our overarching
have produced results in the manner we
Q Arjuna Ranatunga too? goals. These are possibilities that have not
would like to see in the overall skills.” been positively looked at by our marketing
Silva points out that one of the biggest Yes. Of course. Thilanga will invite people. There is so much more that could
drawback is that ‘most of our players are Ranatunga too. It’s up to him. be done to generate funds through the
lacking in application and temperament in cricket activities and opportunities that
match situations in international cricket.’ On the recall of left hand batsman Lahiru come our way.” He assures, ‘our revenue
“We have enough talent and skills, but the Thirimanne to the World T 20 squad, the structure would be made more aggressive
right approach and adapting to different SLC General Secretary was deadpan that the with a dynamic marketing team in place.’
situations is lacking. Aravinda will be axing of the highly gifted youngster whom Looking at additional tours would be
working together with Ford on those Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene had another priority to generate additional
aspects.” spoken of glowingly for his contribution revenue.
during their time, was not only detrimental
The coaching structure would be to a promising career, but as much to the Financially, the SLC had not been
completely overhauled with Kumar country. “To have left out Thirimanne properly managed with so much of
Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene while bringing in so many raw talent was wasteful funding on the Sooriyawewa
to serve on the cricket committee on all incomprehensible. Also, Ford felt that and Pallekelle Stadiums while the
cricket matters from about August this rushing the leg spinner Vandersay to the Sumathipala administration had found
year. Together with Aravinda de Silva, world cup was putting him at the mercy of the funding for the refurbishment of the
they would strike a forceful triangle. the opposition batsmen. “He is a promising Premadasa Stadium to have exceeded by
youngster who needs to be groomed. To Rs.400 million. “We were able to save
Don’t you agree that the club format have sent him would have jeopardized his
Q has to move forward. Three-day career. He felt that a genuine spinner with
approximately Rs. 400 million by scaling
down those projects to suit the current
cricket is said to be the biggest drawback some experience like Seekuge Prasanna needs of SLC”.
to Sri Lanka not on a firm footing in Test should be the choice.”
cricket internationally? The current administration is evolved
DISCIPLINE AND UNDESIRABLES on six key areas – international cricket,
Sri Lanka has achieved great success domestic cricket, development and
through the Club system and has even On the question of team discipline and finance, administration and corporate
won a World Cup and been Runners ensuring undesirables do not mix with the communication.

SPORTS TODAY International Schools
Wycherley – Thumbs Up ’’ An engineering AL student, U-19 Cricket

Captain Keshawa Gunarathne plans to follow
a cricket career in the USA, probably with a
New Jersey League team while doing his higher
studies for a mechanical engineering job.
’’
Wycherley U-19 cricket team

with the Principal, Kingsley Jayasinghe
K
ingsley Jayasinghe, the Principal and I hope to maybe join the new Jersey League
Wycherley since its inception for the last when I take wing in August this year which is
International Senior 32 years, says, “We are doing my final year with Wycherley,” says Keshawa.
School is another well. There’s a lot of encouragement for the He singles out the 2015 captain and left arm
of the international students in sports activities.” seamerAsela Maduranga for his 14 wickets in
sector schools in the inter-international school championship
Sri Lanka that has The cricket captain, Keshawa Gunarathne, a which won him recognition to bowl to the
gone places in right-handed all-rounder, who bats at No.4, Sri Lanka Development Squad pool. He
sports. The cricket and first change medium fast bowler, believes considers the 2013 captain Thalip Hanif as the
has produced some the ‘future for Wycherley cricket is really best captain ‘we had although we lost the big
willing hands in 18- good. “In fact, we beat a strong government match that year. He was like my big brother
year old Keshawa school this year which speaks of Wycherley’s who shone in cricket as well as an academic
Gunarathne, the cricket commitment. Our junior cricket too is – house captain, head prefect and AL student.’
U-19 captain, on a firm footing.” He considers Anurudha Hikgoda the captain of
Anuruddha Hikgoda 2011 and ’12 as the best cricketer Wycherley
and Thalip Hanif. An engineering AL student, Keshawa plans to has produced. Of course, Keshawa Gunarathne
Also, the school follow a cricket career in the USA, probably is no exception – Cricket Captain, House
has two top junior with a New Jersey League team while Captain, Junior Prefect, 2015, Head Prefect
chess players in 14- doing his higher studies for a mechanical 2016.
year old Sachintha engineering job.
Kodikara and 10- The Under-17 captain, Tarif Hanif, younger
year old Ashwini “Cricket in the USA is getting popular by the brother of Thalip, is an off spinner and opens
Pavalachandran. day. There are lots of clubs and T20 leagues, the batting having started from U-13 cricket.

U-19 CRICKET CAPTAIN UNDER-17 CAPTAIN Julia Swedish Cricket Coach
Keshawa Gunarathne Tarif Hanif Ramesh Fernando
He was adjudged the Best Bowler for his intellect in brain teasing checkmating for Asian Schools Championship,
18 wickets which is a record in the 2014 has transformed them into big doers Brazil - World Schools Championship,
Under-17 All Island Inter-Inter School belying their respective ages. Sachintha, Uzbekistan Asian Youth Championship,
Cricket Championships. As a batsman, the World Chess Federation ranked South Africa World Youth Championship;
Tarif says, “I am committed to anchoring girl’s U-12 No.1 in Sri Lanka, who was 2015 – Thailand - World Schools
the batting and remaining to the tail inspired to the sport by her brother Malith Championship, – South Korea - Asian
end.” He has struck a few half centuries, (schools’ chess champion from Thurstan Youth Championship, Greece – World
but averaged 35 to 40 within the College), has blazed a trail of trophy Youth Championship, Singapore – Asian
perimeters of T20 cricket. Interestingly, success – 50 medals and 10 trophies. Schools Championship, Brunei – Asian
he played just one match out of eight Won her first international tournament Amateur Championship and World
for the Mercantile Cricket Association against an international rated player, Amateur Championship; Youngest
A Division team as a 12-year old. “From youngest player to get international to be selected to National A Class
that experience I learned a lesson about rating, bronze medalist at 9th Asian Championship.
life’s hardships because that time was Schools Chess Championship in U-9 age
the Ramazan fasting period and I used category, U-16 champion at the 2015 Ashwini Pavalachandran took to chess
to break the fast at 6 p.m. and be at the Ratnam Memorial Chess Series, member as a 5-year old after watching her brother
grounds by 6.30 p.m. but could not make of Sri Lanka Chess Team to 2013 World playing. She then evolved helped by
the team because I was late at practices.” Youth Chess Championship, youngest Sri a chess board sent from Europe by
He says, ‘never knew much about sports Lankan to get World Chess Federation her mother in 2010. She is the U-10
until the 2007 cricket world cup when my Women Candidate Master (WCM) champion at 2015 All Island Youth
mom enlightened me. Since then, I played title, U-11 champion 2014 All Island Championship , U-10 champion at 2015
tennis with my brother and that inspired Schools Championship, U-12 champ International Rated Championship,
me to take to cricket.’ All Island Youth Championship 2015, Runner-up at 2015 Ratnam Memorial
champion 2015 Kalutara International Chess Series. Her achievements earned
An AL Science student, Tarif, who says, Championship, 1st runner-up 2015 All her a place to represent Sri Lanka at the
‘I would love to play for a cricket club Island National Youth Championship 2015 World Youth Championship in
in my country’, is studying to become a and All Island Schools Championship. Greece.
doctor for which he will be enlisting in a Overseas tours: 2014 Chinese Taipei
medical school in the UK.
The Wycherley Under-19 squad:
Keshawa Gunarathne (Capt.), Hiruna
Wickramasinghe, Thariq Haniff, Abdullah
Hameed (V. Capt.), Sujeevan Angappan,
Kesara Gunaratne, Ahmed Azmir, Shenal
Abeywardene, Sadiq Mameed, Atom
Morioka, Damsalu Perera, Arsalan
Majeed, Moin Ajmeri, Dhushyanth Silva.
Chess Prodigies
Wycherley’s little chess prodigies

Sachintha Kodikara and Ashwini
Pavalachandran are scholarship entrants,
the former from Buddhist Ladies College Sachintha, the World Chess Federation Ashwini Pavalachandran, U-10, represented
ranked girl’s U-12 No.1 in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka at the 2015
and latter from Lyceum Nugegoda, whose World Youth Championship in Greece.

PLAYERS FORGET CLUB ’’ TODAY, THE TREND

IS THAT THERE IS
NO GRATITUDE. IT’S
LIKE A CLOCK-WISE
TIME PIECE. FIRST
THEY ARE THERE TO
PLAY FOR A CLUB
AND MAKE A NAME.
LATER, WHEN THEY
MAKE A NAME,
THEY FORGET THE
CLUB
’’
NCC President Marlon Ranasinghe
T
oss up for and against like, slow overrates, sledging, added “Sad to say we do not see those good
whether cricket is anymore to which the match fixing monster has old days of the Michael Tissera’s,
a gentleman’s game, arguably outstripped the good in the Ranjit Fernando’s, David Heyn’s
and it would sure enough ignite a game. and a galaxy of great players who
cross section view like in a world looked upon their club as ‘the’ centre
heavyweight boxing bout. To say that In that vein, SPORTS TODAY catching stage that built their careers,” drawls
contemporary cricket is in a specter of up with the Nondescripts Cricket Club Marlon Ranasinghe , himself a onetime
the good, the bad and the ugly would (NCC) President, Marlon Ranasinghe cricketer who played alongside Michael
not be out of place. Among the good, did evoke a misty feeling about how the Tissera.
bordering on the gentlemanly, cricket spirit of the game has left local cricket
has today, become a high noon of a clubs in a sense of dismay. Marlon was a Seated across a table at the NCC club
dilution of the bad and the ugly as sad man that today, players have lost the house, under refurbishment, the NCC
well. Batsmen walking away without club feeling, the patriotism players of President goes on, “Today, it is an
waiting to see the umpire’s finger go the good old days had to the institutions altogether different mindset.
up, opposed to which most batsmen where they made a name from where Players even forget
standing their ground glued concrete they won national recognition. their clubs.
Malinga (Lasith) never played for the club team of 1974-75, and Ranjit Fernando’s
Q How come? I ask. in 2014 and 2015. It is regrettable that of 1976.
players, who make a name from the NCC,
“Yea, that’s how it goes. Today, the trend don’t show their gratitude,” he replies. WE WILL FELICITATE SANGA
is that there is no gratitude. It’s like a
clock-wise time piece. First they are Q How come Sanga of all guys? But he is quick to insist that the club has
there to play for a club and make a name. not forgotten Sangakkara whom he says
Later, when they make a name, they “Yea, Sanga too. We can excuse him, ‘we are going to felicitate, The thing to be
forget the club,” he laments. we’ll say because of his international appreciated about Kumar Sangakkara is
commitments, but we at NCC are that he never changed his club. For that, I
What about the services of saddened that in his retirement farewell raise my hat to him.’
Q Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith speech he never mentioned about NCC
Malinga, two icons? at all, and we weren’t even invited. I was
really disappointed about that,” voices the Q What about Lasith Malinga?
“Why, Sanga (Kumar Sangakkara) and club top brass who was in Tissera’s NCC

“Malinga never visits the club now general national cause of nurturing rural Michael Tissera, Ranjith Fernando, David
where he made a name. Too bad,” talent. Lasith Malinga benefitted hugely Heyn from the good old days to Ravi
the weather beaten ex-player turned by it to take his career to the next level.” Ratnayake, Ranjan Madugalle, Hashan
administrator answers. A pause, and Tillekeratne and Russel Arnold. Of
adds, “You see, it was here at NCC that So that’s how the game goes contemporary players, he says,
Malinga went on to be recognised,”
Q today? “The NCC has about six Sri Lanka players
muses the big made man who hastens – Malinga, Dinesh Chandimal, Chameera,
to point across to a building across the “Yea, too bad he’s turned that way Tharindu Kaushal, Jehan Mubarak,
pavilion. now.” rejoins Marlon Ranasinghe in Farveez Maharoof,
this interesting cricket tale at the groovy who is the captain of the Premier
MALINGA HAS FORGOTTEN NCC Maitland Crescent clubhouse from where Division – I XI, and Upul Tharanga.
many a great have emerged. Indeed, the
“There, that is the place I specially gave lip word NCC in local cricketing parlance SACRED
Malinga lodging when he came down is etched in a solemn historic ambiance
to Colombo from Galle to launch his in a cricket road dating back to many an Indeed, the NCC holds sacred to Sri
career with NCC,” he reflects with a illustrious name; an ambiance to which Lankan cricket as it nurtures latent talent
nostalgic bitterness as the club’s big boss the club’s incumbent president adds from generation to generation. With a 700-
announces that ‘apart from Malinga, verbal luster when he says, “This club is strong membership and a cricket academy
the club house administration has had a an ancient club and we want to keep it to boot, the
special board and lodging system for the that way in every sense.” clubhouse also has a tennis court and
benefit of outstation cricketers. swimming pool though not on the
He gestures to the renovation work on the competitive front from where so many
Wow that’s great. Can you other side to the main building and adds young people from school level upwards
Q elaborate? lustily, “The renovation work will retain make a name. The 100-member strong
that ancient original outlook.” cricket academy for U-25 players was
“Yea, we are the first people to give manned by veteran schools’ coach, the late
accommodation to players dating back How does the cost measure up Nelson Mendis who passed away last year.
to 10 years hence. Now we’ve got 12 Q to?
outstation players in the under-23 cricket Only the second player after Ranjith
that we provide accommodation with free “It runs into Rs. 9 million.” Fernando who went on to direct affairs
dinner. It’s a unique thing we are doing, at the administrative arm of the NCC,
all the facilities – rooms, dormitory, I Of NCCs long pedigree of names, he Marlon Ranasinghe does consider it a
’’
must say that it’s been a boon towards the mentions the likes of Vernon Prins, unique honour.
Sad to say we do not see those good old days of the Michael
Tissera’s, Ranjit Fernando’s, David Heyn’s and a galaxy of
great players who looked upon their club as ‘the’ centre stage
that built their careers,” drawls Marlon Ranasinghe , himself a
onetime cricketer who played alongside Michael Tissera.
’’
PLAYERS OWE THEIR SUCCESS TO THE CLUB

Nalanda – Mixed Fortunes
’’
Nalanda was led by right hander Dasun Seneviratne, a 3rd
year, who made a plucky 25 in the second innings to stave off
’’
defeat in the big match.
’’
N
Nalanda College had three flopped in the second innings with Sri Lanka Under-19 XI. The other pace
outright wins against Sri the top four batsmen failing to reach bowlers were Ayantha de Silva and
Rahula Vidyalaya, Thurstan double figures. It was left to skipper Suranga Wijewardene, also a batsman.
and D.S. Senanayake having lost to Dasun Seneviratne who made 25 and The batting revolved around opener,
Richmond and S. Thomas’. In what Dinidu Wijewardena unbeaten on 40 to right handed Nimnaka Ratnayake
was not an altogether satisfactory repair the innings and bail out the side who had 600 runs to his credit who
season, Nalanda played out a draw closing on 109 for 6 wickets in 51 overs. paired with Thenura Nalaka followed
in the 87th Battle of the Maroons by Lasitha Rasanjana at No.3. The rest
at the SSC grounds March 5 and 6. The season saw left arm spinner cum of the batting was fronted by Malinga
Nimnaka Ratnayake top scored with all-rounder Kavinda Bandara claim Amarasinghe, wicket-keeper batsman
44 with Malinga Amerasinghe 37 and 93 wickets and right arm off spinner Kasun Sandaruwa, skipper Dasun
Lakshitha Rasanjana 35 adding some cum all-rounder Dilan Suraweera Senaviratne, Lakshan Hewage. The
respectability in a first innings total 35 wickets and 500 runs. The pace century makers were Ratnayake with
of 197 batting first. The bowlers were bowling was spearheaded by right arm two and Suranga Wijegunawardena
unable to contain Ananda who declared medium pacies Malinga Amarasinghe, one in reaching 500 runs.
at 216 for 4 wickets, and Nalanda an all-rounder who represented the

THE 87TH BATTLE OF THE MAROONS
THE SQUAD
Dasun Seneviratne (Capt.),
Kavinda Bandara (Vice Capt.),
Nimnaka Ratnayake,
Thenura Nalaka,
Lasitha Rasanjana,
Malinga Amarasinghe,
Kasun Sandaruwa,
Lakshan Hewage,
Suranga Wijegunawardena,
Kavinda Bandara,
Dilan Suraweera,
Suhada Wijewardene,
Aroshan Kumara,
Asela Kulatunga,
Umeksha Dilshan,
Ayantha de Silva,
Madushantha Gunadasa,
Namal Ratnayake,
Timura Hettiarachchi,
Lakshantha Rasanjana,
Malinga Amarasekera.

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
RUGBY SRI LANKA

Understanding the impact
RUGBY FOCUS
By Chandrishan Perera and fascination !!
F
Rugby union has now
become the fastest growing
sport in the world, especially
after the 2015 World Cup, which
beefed up its audience from millions
to billions. It’s mass appeal has
rocketed far quicker than Branson’s
lunar shuttle and apples new iPhone
upgrade !!!
Sri Lanka can also boast and add some

island charm to that global statistic,
with the Dialog Premier Division Club
League and Knock Out Cups.
Singer Sri Lanka, partners the Sri

Schools Association and runs the most
asset rich no1 sport at school level.
Cricket, and only international one
Staying Focussed
Singer’s former chairman
day and T20 cricket, claims a bigger Mr. Hemaka Amarasuriya has
audience. This magical appeal is off the transformed the Bradby from
wall and average school games swell the a traditional schools’ fixture to a
school coffers, all season with around 3 world school phenomenon. The live
to 4 thousand fans per game. The bigger broadcast on national television,
more traditional climbing the wall plus live streaming commanding
around 8 to 10 thousand, if the ground an audience of predominantly Sri
can accommodate? Islanders, worldwide, easily past
1.5million.
Arrive in style for the Bradby and all
records shatter with 20,000 in Pallekelle His vision included investing in
and possibly more for the Colombo leg infrastructure for both schools
and celebrations after. ..the result ..the Pallekelle

cauldron ..the lions den, and in Colombo KANDY HIGHLANDERS room at the top, for anyone but the real
the Royal multifunctional sports centre warrior. The mind and body conditioning
stadium. If the Crusaders arrive on stallions in full required for such hard yards, impossible
battle regalia....then nothing to stop the to contemplate, except for those impact
Pride of place for both seats of learning Kandy Highlanders riding into Colombo, athletes born with higher pain thresholds.
and much history to boot. The 27year join the parade to the grounds, and jolly
relationship between Singer and up the entire city by the sea. The workloads vary from multi terrain
Bradby, the greatest example of a sports Let’s take the big Dialog Clifford Cup running, gym, pool, beach, running track,
partnership in Sri Lanka. knockout final @ Racecourse on Reid Crossfit, resistance training, breathing and
Avenue, what a grand impeccable oxygen detention, energy management
GLOBALLY development for Sri Rugby and mega and efficiency for consistency , over the
pride for the island nation. long season.
Island hop across the great Indian Ocean
and the rugby ports of call will give KANDY-CR CLIFFORD CUP FINAL WARRIOR GAME
modern day Vasco de gama and Chris
Columbus, plenty of down time with the Kandy plays CR&FC for the Clifford The warrior has to be protective of his
fan zones etc...no explorer should miss Cup, historically our oldest trophy and armour and nourish the engine with great
out on the 6 nations in Europe or the 4 always a serious bone of contention. care and professional concern.
nations and Super rugby in Australia, Kandy chasing their double have Energy rich food, carbohydrates, proteins,
South Africa and the rugby capital of the out muscled their way this season... good fats and plenty of water/fluids,
new world…New Zealand, land of the losing many of their regulars to fresh fruit, vegetables and vitamins to
long white cloud, proud Maori nation injury, including the in - form skipper calm the water cooled super engine is the
and home of the simply magnificent All Fazil Marija, Lavanga Perera, Gayan commandment.
Blacks. Weeraratne, Soyuru Anthony, Srinath
Sooriyabandara, Nigel Ratwatte etc… The debate on protein and supplements
The 15s and 7s formats for men and but hopefully recovered for the Saturday pop up, when incredible young Islanders,
women present a skilled game known confrontation. CR run out minus skipper try to seek instant success and ingest the
for fitness, endurance, pace, power and Ishan Noor, and will hope the likes of hope of success, by adding chemicals to
impact. New Zealand currently own all Jason Dassanayke, Sasanka Ariyaratne, their diet...risking everything.
the World Cups... men and women 15s kanchana Ramanayake and Kavindu My advice to all rugby hearts, who
and the men and women 7s... making De Costa are fighting fit and bubbling believe.in themselves, trust their team
the two islands centre of the known confidence after nudging Havelocks out, mates, and have an inclination to reach
rugby universe. in a do or die semi final that went to the the highest ...dedicate your time, focus
wire. The last minute try separating the on the simple basics...not before you get
MODERN RUGBY two traditional rivals and giving the reds, 180% fit. Power is the point of difference
their first title shot in years. and a tough mind the separation.
The modern game is bigger, better Dedication, determination, discipline and
faster, in every sense and Watch the Racecourse ignite with flags, the desire to win, will always separate the
plenty for their adrenaline body paint, horns, papare sounds and boys from the men, and the weak from
charged loyalists to partisan fans, that remind us islanders of the strong.
cheer their worries the hill country vs coastal tribe divide.
away. Saturday The game demands maximum for
night... a whole CR TO DEFY THE ODDS? 90minutes, and is relentless for 7mins on
new fan the world circuit, for each half heading
zone, high Kandy is definitely the team to beat and to Brazil for the Olympics....so it’s
intensity match CR may just have that extra ounce of absolutely vital you have the petrol, and
fever environment, confidence, in the last energy sapping the mind for more.
that has its own economy 10mins to defy the odds and claim
and voracious appetite for the Clifford Cup - enjoy the rush. ... bula bula all those rugby gladiators that
excitement and entertainment. The game is intensely give meaning to our high performance
demanding and has ambitions and shine brightly.
Big LED screens make life for little
player and official a lot better... May the game always be the force . !!!
targeting the margin of error
and supporting quality and
consistency of decision making.
The game is everything and
us Sri Islanders also legal to
dream about our own super
club/company league on the
horizon.

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
WORK HORSE
Former Sri Lanka rugby legend,
Chandrishan Perera, fulfils
a current national coaching
obligation of putting young
players through the paces
of intense training at the
Racecourse.

Aravinda de Silva Always
ONLY REGRET
confidence is the
psychological
thing for you to
Couldn’t beat
understand.
AUSTRALIA IN A TEST IN AUSTRALIA

’’
It was a
case of me
playing the
way I thought
cricket should
be played.
Coaches didn’t
agree, but I
never wanted
to change.
’’
To
this day regarded as Sri voice when discussing cricket as was towards that world cup achievement in
Lanka’s most astute of his bat which walked the talk. Despite 1995-96. It was a combined team effort
batsmen when it came to becoming a legend as the only batsman in up to the reserves.” The former master
achieving on the big occasion, now 50 ODI cricket to score a century in a world batsman goes on to further define the team
plus years, Aravinda de Silva, the man cup final batting second, he prefers to be factor thus, ‘We cannot forget the little
who ensured cricket’s world cup came to identified as a team man rather than for contributions by everybody that brought us
Sri Lanka with a historically unparalleled individual brilliance. to the final.”
century in the final against Australia in
1996, says, “The one thing I regret in my Indeed, for a cricketer in a singular Your batting approach was clinical.
career is that I couldn’t help Sri Lanka elite hall of fame, Aravinda is humbly Q You had flair to go after bowlers.
beat Australia in Australia in a Test match modest about it priortising the team. It What was the positive aspect you packed
and the West Indies in a Test match.’’ “It is a defining line of self transcending in your batting?
was one of the best sides I ever played mountainous brilliance in the incredible
against after Clive Lloyd’s West Indies. of incredibles of world cricket - a record If you don’t have that frame of mind, you
I’ve not seen a side like that in a long that not even the Tendulkars or Laras wouldn’t perform. That’s why it’s a lot
time. Australia and the West Indies have claims to. Where others would exult about the psychological aspect of how
were two sides I always wanted to beat in such a feat, Aravinda de Silva prefers you play. Ninety per cent is mental than
in a Test match away, but it was only to downplay it by saying, “More than talent. I worked on that aspect. That’s part
a few ODIs I was able to play against the individual part, what mattered for of the game. Always confidence is the
Lloyd’s side. Not beating Australia is me was the victory for the country. psychological thing for you to understand.
my biggest regret,” laments Aravinda, That was what was most valuable to me In saying so, the onetime batting genius,
in that all familiar soft, but ever serious and I am pleased to have contributed who has undisputedly gone down in the

game’s history as ‘the’ batsman who rose light up any cricketer’s dreams. The end sixth in the list of all-time ODI century-
above nerves when it came to cup heroics satisfaction was that my contributions makers and sixth in the equivalent list for
with the bat, does give a significant leaf on culminated with the team effort which Sri Lanka. De Silva also holds the record
batting. was what mattered to me most. for the tenth-fastest Test double century
against Bangladesh in 2002.
The little dynamo, who had a penchant to Your comments on the hitting over
smash world class bowlers around the park
Q the top dimension in the 1995- On the family front, Aravinda, who is
for six as a teenager who had just stepped 96 world cup in the first 15 overs by married to Anushka de Silva, with three
in to the Sri Lanka team, gives more the openers Sanath Jayasuriya and off springs, says, “Very good. Very happy.
enlightment on his batting, “It was a case of Romesh Kaluwitharana. How did that I’ve enough time to tend to the family
me playing the way I thought cricket should evolve? needs.
be played. Coaches didn’t agree, but I never
wanted to change. It was a combined decision. We thought On the business front with Mahindras
we should play them up the order to driving a motor vehicle industry,
Having said so, Aravinda is quick to recall bat in that vein for a good start so as to Aravinda says, “It’s with another partner,
that ‘at times, I realised the minuses of strengthen the middle order. and its been a successful venture.”
reckless batting, but over the years looking
back, I realised I took the right attitude to Aravinda De Silva scored his first Test His recent induction to head the national
success. Modern cricket has proved that by century in October 1985 against Pakistan. selection committee as the Chairman of
out of the box shots.’ The insight in to his His commitment was showcased by a Selectors with came recently in a crisis
batting career at large shows how articulate Man of the Match performance -122 situation with the Kapila Wijewardene
the champion batsman was who was never in an eight-and-a-half-hours. He made committee sacked, sees Aravinda de
undone by nerves when chasing targets on centuries in both innings of a match Silva facing yet another big hurdle in his
big occasions. He is the only player to score when he scored 138 and 103 – not out summer years. In a backdrop of Sri Lanka
not out centuries in both innings of a Test. in both innings – in the second Test in cricket rock bottoming bundled out of the
1997 against Pakistan. He repeated the Asia Cup losing to minnows Bangladesh,
Born October 17, 1965, Pinnaduwage feat of scoring centuries in both innings India and Pakistan on the trot, Aravinda
Aravinda de Silva, who walked into the Sri in the same year, when he scored 146 has been made the cricket board’s
Lanka team as an 18-year old schoolboy and 120 against India in another man- confidante as well as the Sports Minister
from D.S. Senanayake College, does of-the-match performance. De Silva’s Dayasiri Jayasekera’s to take the country
lament the fact that during his time the highest Test score of 267 in 380 balls out of the woods. He has the solid support
opportunities to perform were far and few. against New Zealand in January 1991 in of the highly cricket savvy Kumar
“The drawback of my career was that Sri Wellington, is regarded as the best by a Sangakkara, who has been interestingly
Lanka did not get that many test match Sri Lankan batsman on foreign soil. De inducted by the minister where two top
itineraries and whatever came our way Silva scored 20 Test centuries against notch intellectuals in the game pad up to
was the 1-off Test and not wholesome
itineraries. The first years of my career I
played 7 to 8 Test matches. So, it was very
hard. In the latter part, it became easier
seven different opponents, and was most
successful against Pakistan, making eight.
As of April 2013, he is thirty-fourth in the
international Test century-makers list, and
’’
call the selection shots.
Batting is a lot about the

from 1994-’95. We had a fair amount of third in the Sri Lankan list.
psychological aspect
cricket. Basically, it took 9 to 10 years for De Silva’s maiden ODI century 104 runs
me to do trial and error and learn things. off 124 balls was against India in 1990; of how you play. Ninety
From there on it was much easier to get to he scoredHis highest score in ODIs is per cent is mental than
the top. 145, against Kenya in the 1996 Cricket talent. I worked on that
World Cup. it was also the first century aspect. That’s part
On your illustrious career what made by a Sri Lankan in a World Cup of the game. Always
Q would you say? which he followed up by his match confidence is the
winning 107 not out in the final against psychological thing for
Those achievements were what would Australia. As of April 2013, he is twenty-
you to understand.
’’
World Cup History
Aravinda de Silva, in a singular elite hall of fame of being the only batsman in world
WALKING THE TALK cricket to have scored a century in a World Cup final chasing a victory target

Ananda took the honours
’’
Off spinner Supun Waragoda had a match
bag of 7 wickets to take the Man of the Match
award in the big match.
’’
A
Ananda College took the batsman Rahal Avishka. A fresher, Nirmal, a right hand batsman.
honours in the drawn 87th Avishka top scored with 84 off 127 Kamesh, the younger brother of
Battle of the Maroons at balls inclusive of 13 boundaries while Sri Lanka vice-captain, Dinesh
the SSC grounds. Ananda made a off spinner Supun Waragoda, another Chandimal, who is just 15 years
formidable 216 for 4 wickets declared fresher, had a match bag of 7 wickets to old, made an extraordinary entry
in reply to Nalanda’s 197 with opener take the Man of the Match award notching 2 centuries, 98 and 37
Rahal Avishka scoring 84 off 127 balls Ananda College played 14 matches, in only 4 outings. The mainstays
inclusive of 13 boundaries. However, won 3 outright and lost 1 to Trinity, were all-rounder Kavishka Anjula
the Ananda top order of Kalana with 11 draws, according to head with 700 runs and 45 wickets and
Perera (04), Skipper Nisal Fransisco 19 coach, Roshan Soysa. The team missed skipper Nisal Fransisco with 600
and Sammu Ashan (11) failed to click the services of key player Sammu runs in 14 matches batting at No.3.
and it was left to middle order batsman Ashan for a better part of the season,
Asel Sigera, who made an unbeaten figuring in only two matches having Left arm spinners Dileepa
41 with 6 boundaries, to lend support answered the call of national duty with Jayalath had 60 wickets and
to Avishka . Later Kaveeshka Anjula the Sri Lanka Under-19 XI. He struck Ashel Sigera 40 during the season.
bolstered the innings with an unbeaten a whirlwind 56 off only 24 balls in his Sigera’s all-round ability fetched
44 inclusive of and six boundaries and first appearance in the win over St. him an unbeaten unbeaten 41 in
a six. Sebastian’s College. the big match to finish with close to
Ananda had their opponents on the 500 runs. Wicket-keeper batsman
hop in their second innings at 109 for There were as much as 5 freshers in the Nipun Haggala scored 350 runs
6. Ananda had two heroes in opening side, the bright spark being Kamesh and accounted for over 50 victims.

THE 87TH BATTLE OF THE MAROONS
THE SQUAD
Nisal Fransisco (Capt.),
Kavishka Anjula (Vice Capt.),
Kamesh Nirmal, Kavishka Anjula,
Rahal Anushka,
Supun Waragoda,
Kalana Pramod,
Dinuka Jayaratne,
Shamu Ashan,
Dileepa Jayalath,
Asela Sigera,
Nipun Hakgala,
Avishka Welawarachchi,
lahiru Perera,
Achila Eranga,
Sahan Suraweera,
Dasun Hettige.

School
Colombo International School
Boasts of Champion Athletes
C
olombo International School trophy success. Some of the opposition trials. We don’t receive that type of
(CIS) boasts of several were national schools like Zahira and national recognition which is quite
promising athletes from St. Benedict’s. They tied 1-all with disappointing,” voiced the British expert
swimming to football, netball and Zahira, beat St. Benedict’s and then who puts the ball in the court of the
basketball among others. Outstanding is Kingswood 2-1 in the semi finals. Dinush Education Ministry and Sports Ministry
16-year old Kavin Weerasinghe who is Wickremaraththy and Haroon Asif on behalf of international schools.
the senior national champ in the 150m do carry the talent the junior national
freestyle. He did his alma mater proud by soccer authorities should not turn a The swimming champion Kavin
representing Sri Lanka at the recent South blind eye to in the national interest. Weerasinghe has much overseas
Asian Games and being placed 5th. There experience having participated at the
is also the junior under-13 football team Indeed, Andrew Kirk is a bubbly 2015 Asian Age Group Swimming
who are the Junior All-Island champions workhorse hailing from Ipswich, Suffolk, Championship in China in 5 events and
this year. Essex and the Sports Science Level II placed among the top 4.
qualified coach in athletics and football,
The side is led by Haroon Asif who who has been with the school since 2013. “My dream is the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
netted 4 goals and vice captain Dinush He has done a wonderful job in putting where I aim to come among the top 15 in
Wickremaraththy 5 to beat Maris Stella CIS among the top rungs of international the 400 Intermediate and 400 freestyle,”
in the finals. For their age, the players schools in town. says Kavin who is a member of the
are quite wiry and carry sleek and champion Killer Whale Aquatic Club
athletic physiques which speaks of the He says that ‘we’ve done quite well coached by Manoj Abeysinghe.
untiring efforts of CIS’s foreign coach among the international schools, but the
Britisher, the 36-year old Andrew Kirk. boys have not got the national recognition Andrew Kirk stresses that the CIS
The team also comprises Zayd Rizan, that would help international school athletes ‘are very committed. They go
Aryan Nagdawne and two foreigners sportsmen to raise their game.’ through the rituals of morning practices
in Jun Hyeong Kim from Korea and despite the pressures of their classroom
Arhan Khosla from India. The champion “It is nice if the boys are given the studies.
side played 6 matches on the way to opportunity to participate in national

Captain Coach Vice-captain National Swimmer
Haroon Asif Andrew Kirk Dinush Wickremaraththy Kavin Weerasinghe
CIS football captain British coach Andrew Kirk Vice-captain Outstanding is 16-year
Haroon Asif poses voices concern that it is very Dinush old
with the disappointing international Wickremaraththy, swimmer Kavin
Junior All-Island school athletes are more who scored 5 goals Weerasinghe
Football Trophy. or less overlooked for in CIS’s who is the senior
national trials. win over Maris Stella national champ
“It is nice if the boys in the in the 150m freestyle.
are given the finals, is considered the
opportunity to playmaker of the side.
participate in
national trials,”
he hopes.

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
SPONSORED
CR PAINT THE TOWN
S
Speak of local rugby, and the of five years that stripped CR rugby to setback, but by now we’ve put on the
name CR & FC, in the longer vulnerability. The SAGT sponsored CR, necessary financial muscle with well
version - Ceylonese Rugby braving its way to the Clifford Cup finals, backed sponsorship to look at the best
& Football Club - resonates big as ever. ending game runners-up to Kandy SC, is players in town,” he says while adding
Dating back to the 1960-70 glory days, testimony of the 2016 resurgence. that ‘by 2014 we came to No. 4 among
the Longden Place rugby football club the clubs performance-wise from No.
maybe not in the type of limelight it “By all means we expect to revive the 7 and 8 in 2013. On the way we did
once basked in when a galaxy of players glory days of CR rugby. We have had reasonably well to draw with Kandy
like Mohan Sayam, Didacus de Almeida very bad erosion due to lack of finances and beat Havelocks. But we came apart
the Zilva brothers and Ajith Abeyratne leading to player exoduses due to lack because we could not maintain the
among so many others held sway. But of adequate sponsor support and other momentum.’
the clubhouse, arguably Colombo’s clubs buying over players,” voices
glamour club in local rugby for its highly Abeyratne in an exclusive interview with Q Have you plugged that gap?
appealing nature of posh infrastructural SPORTS TODAY. But the renowned
and ground settings, CR & FC looks administration man is relieved that CR “Yes, we’ve done all the groundwork
forward to reviving the glory days once has made a significant comeback from of off season training this year which
again. That its former doyen and ex-Sri where it is now in a position to challenge we couldn’t do in 2014. That year, we
Lanka captain Ajith Abeyratne happens to the best. At the time of writing, CR has were okay up to the first round, but were
be the driving force behind a thoroughly finished the League Championship on a not equipped enough to go the distance.
revitalized comeback drive as CR & pleasing note of being 3rd behind Kandy Another plus point is that last year, none
FC’s Chairman of Rugby does lend great SC and Havelocks. of our players left. So there’s a healthy
significance to the clubhouse rugby situation at the clubhouse.”
resurrection dream; of putting behind the “Our main concern was players leaving
exodus of 20 top players within a period for better career offers. It was a severe Q How bad was the exodus in the past?

RED, BUT FALL SHORT
“Mind you, in 2013, we had an exodus “Skipper Ishan packs lots of experience and 70s along with Havelocks Sports
of players. Within 4 to 5 years we had and is supported by an outfit, most of Club, the close rivalry between the two
an exodus of 20 players that started from whom played last year while former clubs which was considered ‘the’ match
2010 to the Havelocks and Navy. captain Ashan de Costa also lends much of the time?
TIP TOP TALENT experience to the side.”
“We are close to that. Last year we
As to player resources, the rugby Ajith Abeyratne, a stickler to getting had evolved to a point of bridging the
chairman sees CR & FC on a high things done to the dot and discipline from distance to become the No.1 club team by
this 2015 season on the back of what years of serving the game as a national bouncing to No.4. I believe we’ve got the
he says, “A good blend of youth and and club coach, who is in his second year right mix of experience to go with some
experience with the recruit of some of the overseeing CR’s rugby affairs, adds that of the cream of schoolboy talent to gel
top schoolboy players including Royal ‘I’ll be directing things while we have into a top force. The team is in place and
College’s play maker try scorer No. 8 a good set of coaching expertise led by we’ve got the right combinations. That
Supun Warnakulasuriya, St. Joseph’s Head Coach Imthie Marikar, a former CR nucleus from Royal, Trinity, Isipathana
skipper and No. 8 Tharik Saley and & FC and Kandy S.C. star player. What and St. Joseph’s looks great. Supun
Isipathana full back Rehan de Silva and is more, we have a good rugby board Warnakulasuriya and Tarindu Ratwatte, a
Trinity fly half Tarindu Ratwatte. Added in place headed by our President Ravi former captain of the Sri Lanka Schools’
to which there are several reputed club Gunaratne, Vice President Sriyan Cooray Team are exceptional.”
players who have joined.” and Christopher Jordashe. SAGT MEGA SPONSOR: CO-
SPONSORS SAMSUNG, KFC
He says that the side was in the able How confident are you that CR & FC Abeyratne goes on to stress that ‘now
hands of Ishan Noor, a former Peterite
Q can get back to big rugby business we have the big bucks to retain players,
and Sri Lanka player. that made it the glamour side of the 1960s thanks to the mega sponsorship weight

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
age of South Asia Gateway Terminil practicing morning and day to get our All in all, he sees 2014 as the leading
(SAGT) with Samsung and KFC as co- act together while paying strict attention curve to CR coming back to its own.
sponsors. And we are open to more sponsors to fitness gym work,” reasons the Head “We went as far as the semifinals losing
as we beef up our financial strength to Coach. to Kandy. This time around, we’ve got a
overcome the concerns the clubhouse ran winning formula in place in every aspect
into in the past when our top players were Skipper Ishan Noor, the lock forward, who with emphasis on training hard. There are
bought over by Kandy S.C. and other clubs.’ has been with the club since 2009, tunes up no short cuts. Dedication and finding the
in that we’ve been able to retain almost all right touch is what will get us there. So
Adding to the rugby chairman’s assessment the players from 2014.’ it’s up to the boys to make the most of it.”
is Coach Imthie Marikar, whose Of course, the skipper wants to put the
contribution to club and national rugby has word complacency into a backseat. Of the team composition, the captain
been immense. In fact, Marikar was one of believes in ‘the strong player resources to
Kandy S.C.’ cog in the wheels. “We can’t take any of the clubs lightly. We deliver. Experience comes in the form of
will treat all as the same opposition and not scrum half Malith Hettiarachchi, fly half
“I believe 2015 should bring out the best underestimate any. In 2014 we had quite a Dilan Soysa, flanker Sasanka Ariyaratne
from CR. In the League, we have finished good season,” he contends. and ex-captain Ashan de Costa.
among the top three. We have been
2016 SO CLOSE, BUT, YET SO FAR

St. Joseph’s Big Match

defeat hard to digest
St.
Joseph’s College’s loss Coached by Asela Pathirana, a and medium pace bowler. Malshan
to arch rivals St. Peter’s former skipper, the Josephians did Rodrigo, also an all-rounder was the
in the 82nd Battle of the have a fairly good season with 6 only centurion with over 500 runs and
Saints big match would certainly be outright wins from 17 matches against 73 wickets from his left arm spin. He
a bad feeling in the Josephian camp. Mahanama, Wesley, De Mazenod, St. deputised as vice captain for the injury
Not because the match was rightfully Anthony’s, Katugastota and Mahinda, sidelined Kevin Cotling whose services
awarded to St. Peter’s who were stalled Galle, and 5 first innings wins while the team missed badly in the big
from hitting the winning 6 runs by a losing 2 to Royal and St. Benedict’s. match. Left arm spinner Harin Cooray
Josephian crowd invasion because fair had 66 wickets followed by a fourth
play had to eventually prevail, but for Skipper Sandaruwan Rodrigo in Charuka Ullandupitiya who had 25
the fact that it was so close but yet so scored over 500 runs and opened wickets. Ruchira Ekanayake, the right
far. Indeed, the Josephian batsmen’s the batting with Revan Kelly, a left arm medium pacie shared the new ball
bravery in making a match of it after hander who scored over 700 runs. with Daniel followed by medium pacie
being made to follow on after being The batting revolved around Nipun Gunatilleke.
shot out for 106 to St. Peter’s 304 for 9 Samarasinghe, a left hander followed
declared, in taking it down to the wire by Sri Lanka Youth XI world cup The duo of Malshan Rodrigo and
and giving it away in the final phase player Jehan Daniel, the right hander Cooray shared 139 wickets between
would be rued; the last phase efforts who was an all-round fast bowler who them while four specialist batsmen
of Neran Goonathilake 72 and Shevon opened the bowling; the rest - Pahan in Sandaruwan Rodrigo, Malshan
Fonseka 22 being undone on the rim by Perera (left hander), Shevon Fonseka, Rodrigo, Revan Kelly, Shevon Fonseka
the wily spin of Taneesha Weerakoon the wicket-keeper batsman with over passed 500 runs.
who proved to be too good in the final 500 runs to his credit, all-rounder
reckoning. Neran Gunatilleke, right hander

’’
82ND BATTLE OF THE SAINTS
The Josephians did have a fairly good season
with 6 outright wins from 17 matches against
Mahanama, Wesley, De Mazenod, St. Anthony’s,
Katugastota and Mahinda, Galle, and 5
first innings wins while losing 3 to Royal, St.
Benedict’s, and the big match to St. Peter’s .
’’
THE SQUAD
Sandaruwan Rodrigo
(Capt.),
Malshan Rodrigo (Vice
capt.),
Revan Kelly,
Nipun Samarasinghe,
Jehan Daniel,
Pahan Perera,
Shevon Fonseka,
Neran Gunatilleke,
Harin Cooray,
Charuka Ullandupitiya,
Ruchira Ekanayake,
Neran Gunatilleke.

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
Singer Rugby
top award for Royal College
Royal College, the champions of the Under-19 Singer Division-I title.
R
oyal College, Colombo, which was a feature of the Singer The Division I Bowl Championship
hogged the limelight at the awards ceremony. The Runners-up was top award went to Piliyandala Central
Singer Schools’ Rugby Awards Upananda College, Galle. College, and the Runners-up award to
Ceremony for the 2015 season at the Ananda College.
BMICH March 15. Royal was awarded In the Division III, it was St. Anthony’s,
the Division 1 Cup Championship title Wattala in Segment C, St. Aloysius, The Division I Shield Championship
plus the Division I Group title award. Galle in the B and Rahula, Matara in A. award was won by St. Sylvester’s
Isipathana College took the Division I College, Kandy with Lumbini College the
Runners-up title as well as their Group The Division II Segment 2A Runners-up.
title award. Wesley College took the honours went to President’s College,
consolation Plate title and St. Anthony’s Maharagama followed by Vidura The Director of Marketing and
College the Plate Runners-up title. College, Rajagiriya. Communications, Singer Sri Lanka,
The Division I Plate Championship Mahesh Wijewardena praised the award
In Division II Segment 1A, Rahula top award went to Wesley College and winning schools for their efforts and
College, Matara was the winner in the Runners-up award to St. Anthony’s assured Singer’s continued support for
championing the lot of the rural schools College, Katugastota. schools’ rugby.

THE AWARDS CEREMONY

SPORTS TODAY Rugby

’’ Counting 43 years
of experience on the
race track, SLADA
President, Mahesh
Gammampila
dwelt on the future
priorities of his
committee. It meant
creating an even
playing field for all
competitors.
’’
SLADA President
Mahesh Gammampila
Creating an even playing field ’’

On the administration front, the incumbent SLADA President spoke about
SPORTS TODAY highlights the a creating an advanced and efficient race track monitoring plan for all the
observations of the incumbent
President of SLADA, Mahesh
competitors and officials in the ‘Supercross’ championship this year.
’’
Gammampila, who assumed The 2016 committee appointed on so. “This too is a key issue of concern
office in January 2016, as January 25, comprises of individuals that my committee will be looking to sort
well as his predecessor Dilhan who are both talented and possess a out.”
great passion for racing. Yoga Perera
Jayawardhena who held office
and Dilhan Jayawardhena, the outgoing The SLADA President greatly appreciated
in 2015. president, were appointed Vice Presidents the Sri Lankan Forces for their hard work
for the upcoming year because of their and enthusiasm showcased in organising
talents and the hard work and dedication the ‘Supercross’ meets and also for
they have demonstrated in the past. consistently maintaining the standards of
By Yureshya Perera
Mahesh, who stressed that SLADA is the tracks. Mahesh stated that every meet
an association for competitors, has in his has 12 motor car events and 12 motorbike
M
ahesh Gammampila, the
committee Pasindu Peiris and Upulwan events. Despite the large number of
President of SLADA for the year
Serasinghe who have left a mark in the events within a single day, SLADA
2016, an easygoing individual
racing history of Sri Lanka. continues to manage and maintain the
who welcomed me with a smile, spoke
standards of the game and keep the flag
about the agenda for the upcoming
Mahesh also touched on the salient flying without much support from the
year and about the newly appointed
area of getting things straight in the local authorities which was regrettable.
committee.
administration at SLADA. “SLADA
faces many barriers in members having Mahesh Gammanpila was also emphatic
Counting 43 years of experience on the
personal interests and also having about the vision of SLADA which is
race track, Mahesh recalled his first race
complications in giving accessibility upgrading the safety levels and enhancing
to 1973 at the Mahagasthota, Hill climbs.
and opportunities for all racers equally. the standards and maintaining them at a
“It was quite an experience,” he said.
If not, it is in bad taste for the motor professional level.
racing industry. It therefore, needs
On the administration front, the SLADA
to be addressed and put right, “he “The family of SLADA urges all
president spoke about a newly created
stressed. Another burning issue, he individuals who have a passion for racing,
advanced and efficient race track
said was the inability for racers and love the sport and possess the desire to
monitoring plan for all the competitors
sponsor companies to meet up in sealing contribute, to join the association and
and officials in the ‘Supercross’
connections in acquiring sponsorships make the upcoming events a tremendous
Championship this year.
despite the provision of a platform to do success,” he concluded.

’’ Dilhan Jayawardhena
is one of the pioneers in
starting Foxhill Supercross with
the cooperation of Major General
Chaagi Gallage and Nalaka
Buddhadhasa. He stressed
that the first Foxhill Supercross
became a reality with the help of
SLADA and different sponsoring
companies, and with time the
rest of the meets were started off.
’’
Ex-SLADA President,
Dilhan Jayawardhena
Upliftment of SLADA in 2015

M
otor racing which attracts 30 – Supercross, Sigiriya Rallycross, Cavalry CHAMPIONS
40,000 spectators in Sri Lanka, Supercross, Katukurunda Circuit Meet,
holds a prominent position in the Gajaba Supercross and Gunner Supercross. Throughout the past years, racers
sporting arena. Dilhan Jayawardhena, the The history of the championship goes back to like Upulwan Serasinghe, Aravinda
President of the Sri Lanka Auto-Sports the year 1993 where the first meet took over Premadasa, Pasindu Peiris, Harsha Silva
Drivers Association (SLADA) for 2015, the world of Sri Lankan motor sports, known and Janka Dias showcased their talent
spoke about their success. as Foxhill Supercross in Dhiyathalawa. regularly and always kept the flag flying
This was initiated with the blessings of at national level. Dinesh Dheheragoda
Dilhan emphasised that SLADA is the late General Gamini Gunasekara, who aimed higher and took his racing talent
an association which was built with played a vital role in providing guidance and to the international podium and brought
the purpose of uplifting the standards encouragement. glory to Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific
of motor sports in general. Also, that Rally in the Super Car 1300cc event.
SLADA is an association which aims at PIONEERS The SLADA committee comprises of
maintaining high standards throughout 13 officials and the association consists
their meets and which believes in giving Dilhan Jayawardhena is one of the pioneers of more than 80 members overall. The
the spectators international standard in starting Foxhill Supercross with the association comprises of different types
experience in the field of motor sports. cooperation of Major General Chaagi Gallage of individuals who share the same
He said that the meets are carried out and Nalaka Buddhadhasa. He stressed interest, passion and love for racing, that
not only for the love and passion of the that the first Foxhill Supercross became a makes them volunteer and dedicate their
sport, but in order to provide aid for the reality with the help of SLADA and different time with no hesitation. He stressed
fallen war heroes and their families for sponsoring companies and with time the rest that during his tenure, members Mahesh
their service to the nation. With many of the meets was started off. In relation Gammampilla , Rizwi Farook, Yoga
goals and objectives in mind SLADA to sponsors, CEAT takes pride in being the Perera, Upulwan Serasinghe, Jayantha
does not forget to provide support and principle sponsor for the year 2016 and Fernando, Sanjaya Kariyawasam and
encouragement to the motor sports the past championships. Apart from CEAT many more who have been affiliated with
sector in the aspect of development and being the main sponsor, Exide, Snickers, motor sports throughout the years are
increasing the competency levels of the and AutoMirage sponsor SLADA racing in highly appreciated and looked upon, as
riders and drivers. order to maintain the racing tracks up to not only having given strong support to
standards and to provide other facilities to the SLADA but also raised the position of Sri
SLADA racing hosts a mind blowing competitors. Lankan motor sports to greater heights.
championship annually, which consists Dilhan wrapped up the interview by
of six thrilling meets. Each meet contains At the end of every eventful annual thanking their principle sponsor CEAT
many events for motor cars and bikes championship, SLADA hosts a formal awards and other co-sponsors and not forgetting
including different age categories where night in order to felicitate and recognize the the committee of year 2015, his family
gender is not paid attention to. The six key players who secured positions in the six and all the eager competitors for making
meets are accordingly known as Foxhill different meets held throughout the year. the year a success.

LYCEUM WATTALA
DOMINANT
L
yceum International School,
Wattala has been in the forefront
among the international
schools. Its dominance has been such
that Lyceum has what its Sports Co-
coordinator, Upatissa Jayasuriya
describes as 3 remarkable achievements
in athletics and swimming in the past 3
years – Under-17 athletic champions
at the 2012 National Schools’ Games,
Under-15 Overall Athletic Champions at
2013 National Schools Games, Overall
Runners-up in swimming 2014 All Island
National Schools’ Games.
As the Lyceum Principal, Ms. Shila

Manoratne puts it, “Lyceum has been the
leading school among the international
schools in its 15-year long brief history
which is something to be proud of. “We
have won the Inter-International School
Athletic Championships (ISAC) for a
record 9 years, and performed equally
well academically with 90 per cent of the
students passing out. We hope to continue
and improve our performances in sports
and education and remain the leading
school in the future too.”
That Lyceum has begun to sing in population with a staff of 442; the sports ‘Best Defender’ when Lyceum International
terms of performance on all fronts in network quite sprawling from the grounds emerged the 2016 Under-17 All Island ‘A’
championing international schools in adjacent to the top storeyed classroom Division Basketball Champions. The title came
the Sri Lankan periphery of sports and building that supplements the athletes and their way when they beat the parent sister school
education is significant. That is in making cricketers among other outdoor sports, Lyceum, Nugegoda. What sets the twosome apart
the lot of international schools to be separate netball and basketball courts and is that both Hazeena and Lubna are all-rounder’s
counted in the national perspective with further away a striking swimming pool whose passion extends to other sports; the latter
more and more international schools complex. Indeed, the institution’s rapid also excelling in the under-15 shot putt as a
sprouting up in and around the city advancement is understandable. It has medalist in the 2016 All island Schools’ Games,
metropolis. produced champion athletes, swimmers, as well as for the Under-19 netball team. Lubna,
netballers and many more. who explains that ‘I wanted to try out as many
In that vein, visiting Lyceum, Wattala sports as I could,’ hopes her talents will earn
gives an insight as to the rumble from Among the pack are two outstanding her a place in the national team in the future.
the classrooms downwards to the sports athletes in 15-year old Hazeena Abdur, and Hazeena is a gold medal winner in basketball
arena of a 5000 strong mixed student 14-year old Lubna Moset who became the who hopes could play for a club and earn a call

LUBNA MOSET
Lubna Moset (14) the ‘Best Defender’ when
Lyceum International emerged the 2016
Under-17 All Island ‘A’ Division Basketball
Champions. Is also a junior shot putt medalist
at the 2016 AISC, and U-19 netballer.
HAZEENA ABDUR
Fifteen-year old Hazeena Abdur is an all-rounder
who starred in the school becoming the 2016 All
Island ‘A’ Division Basketball champions winning a
gold medal. She is also a junior shot putt medalist at
the 2016 All Island Schools’ Championship (AISC),
and U-19 netballer.
up to the national team. to 2016. Sports Coordinator, Upatissa 2015-2016, Lahiru Lihirikadu swimming
ISAC CRICKET CHAMPS Jayasuriya, “This is an unique record.’ captain, both of whom toured Bangkok
The Master in Charge is Pradeep representing Sri Lanka at the 8th Asian
The Lyceum Under-19 cricket team Nugegoda. Age Group Championships, and who
captained by Gihan Zoysa, an all- are the joint ISAC all-island overall
rounder, emerged the 2015 All island Meanwhile, 16-year old Shehan champions 4 years in a row. They beat
Inter International Schools’ champions Visanperuma holds the Sri Lanka record schools like Ananda, DSS and Mahanama
defeating Gateway College. Having in the boy’s junior long jump of 7.09 on the way to the titles. Rest of the
dismissed Gateway for 132, Lyceum meters, and in the Senior John Tarbet All team are Navod Lakshan, Pruthu Viraj,
made 133 for 3 with Dilshan Jayawardena Island Meet of 7.09 meters. Kalyana Sundaram, Radush Sathasivam.
making 78 not out to take the Man of Shilpa Fernando (18) holds several The junior swimmers are Anjad Hassan
the Final award. The Best Fielder was under-19 discus and put shot records at and Vinul Edirisinghe. Anjad competed in
Sharmeegan Sreetharan who is twin all-island level while 9-year old Shenali the 2-mile sea swim emerging second out
brother to Shsathveegan Sreetharan. Bastian became the youngest athlete of 800 swimmers while Vinul swam the 2
The team also dominated the Inter- to contribute to an all-island overall kilometers stretch at Ambalangoda.
International Bata Awards. The school championship junior title in the under-11.
has won 6 inter-international annual titles, In fact, the school has won the title three The two girl’s swimmers are Thimali
5 of which consecutively since 2011 up consecutive years from 2014 to 2016. Bandara and Deekshi Gunasekera who
to 2016. Lyceum will have the services Another outstanding performer has been represented the country at the recent
of all last year’s players. For Gihan de Imasha Fernando who is an ISAC all- Thailand meet. Deepthi is a winner at the
Zoysa, the passion extends beyond cricket island gold medalist. national schools’ meet under-11.
being a promising athlete as well who The Mistress in Charge of swimming is
is a treble gold medalist in the 800m., Chandima Rupasinghe, and coaches –
1500m., and 4x400 relay from 2014 to Lyceum also emerged All-Island ‘B’ Shashike Perera (squad coach), Suresh
2016 at the ISAC. Sports Coordinator, Division boy’s champions in 2015 beating Hirantha, W.C. Prasanga, Narada Mel,
Upatissa Jayasuriya is the live wire D.S. Senanayake College in the final. Kasun de Silva and Dilrukshi Dalugama.
overseeing things while the cricket Head The team: Pranavan Sudhar, Kaweesha Lyceum’s three remarkable achievements
Coach is Samitha Danushka and Master Muthukuda, Nishalka Fernando, Tarin have been winning for three consecutive
in Charge Manjula Prasanna. Perera, Ryan Perera. Absent: Santhusha years at the 2012 Schools’ Games in
Tillekeratne, Lohan Yapa, Kavinda the under-17 Age Group athletics, 2013
ATHLETICS Gayesha. National Schools’ Games under-15
overall athletic champions, and 2014
In athletics, Lyceum has an outstanding SWIMMING National Schools’ Games Overall
record of becoming the overall inter- runners-up in swimming.
international champions and all-island The Lyceum swimmers comprise Diluk
champions for 8 successive years up Jayatilleke Overall Games Captain

Athletic team
1. Sapna Senaratne. 2. Apsal Razick, 3. Shanaka Perera, 4. Shehan Visamperuma, 5. Gihan de Zoysa, 6. Shenali Bastian, 7. Himasha
Fernando, 8. Rashmi Hinkenda, 9. Dilini Gomes,10. Lubna Moset, 11.Pradeep Nugegoda, Master in Charge of Athletics,
IMASHA SHENALI SHEHAN

FERNANDO BASTIAN VISANPERUMA
Several gold Nine-year old Shenali Holds the Sri Lanka
Bastian became the record in the boy’s
medals at 2016
youngest athlete junior long jump of
ISAC. to contribute to an 7.09 meters, and
all-island overall in the Senior John
championship junior Tarbet All Island
title in the under-11. Meet of 7.09 meters.
Under-19 cricket team
Gihan de Zoysa (Capt.), Sanjeev Coomaraswamy (V. Capt.), Shsathveegan Sreetharan, Sharmeegan Sritharan, Dilshan
jayawardena, Imantha Fernando, Thinura Jayasekera, Pasal Wickramasinghe, Abinesh Ravichandran, Arshad Jeffrey,
Jeevithan Maheshwaran, Asher Kurukulasuriya, Shennon Perera, Vishal Perera, Pavith Janadha.

GIHAN DILSHAN SHARMEEGAN
DE ZOYSA JAYAWARDENA SRITHARAN
Cricket Captain. Man of the Match Best Fielder.
with unbeaten 78 in
Lyceum emerging
2016 Inter-
International School
All Island U-19 Cricket
Champions.
Swimming team
LAHIRU DILUK
LIHIRIKADU JAYATILLEKE
LAHIRU DILUK ANJAD VINUL

LIHIRIKADU JAYATILLEKE HASSAN EDIRISINGHE
swimming Overall Games Captain Junior swimmer Anjad Hassan Twelve-year old Vinul
captain 2015-2016, and a leading (under-14) competed in the Edirisinghe swam the
swimmer. 2-mile sea swim emerging
2 kilometers stretch at
second out of 800 swimmers.
Ambalangoda.

SPORTS TODAY Basketball
Cager Chief Faizal Deva

Seeks Greener Pastures
FLASHBACK:
When he was elected president of the MSBA in 2015, Deva said, “Basketball enjoys
tremendous popularity among a very large number of Sri Lankans. There’s both
great enthusiasm and a very high morale among those who play this sport. My
aim is to further popularise the game among greater numbers of Sri Lankans,
especially in the Mercantile Sector.
F
aizal Deva, the outgoing Tournament Champions. My aim is to further popularise the game
President of the Mercantile among greater numbers of Sri Lankans,
Services Basketball Association A product of Wesley College, Colombo, especially in the Mercantile Sector. My
(MSBA), who took wing for Australia he played and captained the college committee and I are also looking to new
recently in search of greener pastures, basketball team from 1995 to 2002. He opportunities to develop the game and
was the youngest ever President of the also played for the Sri Lanka Schools set in place innovative processes for
MSBA. team in 2002/2003 and represented HSBC the betterment of the game. At the core
Sri Lanka in basketball. of all this is the vigorous promotion of
Deva rose to the highest rank and file of basketball which I love so much”, Deva
heading the MSBA as its top executive When he was elected president of the affirmed.”
as a young player. He excelled in the MSBA in 2015, Deva said, “Basketball
sport captaining the Commercial Credit enjoys tremendous popularity among a He did accomplish much for the sport
Basketball team in 2013 which went very large number of Sri Lankans. There’s during his tenure.
on to become the Mercantile Services both great enthusiasm and a very high
Basketball Association (MSBA) League morale among those who play this sport. We wish him all the best.

SPORTS TODAY Water Polo
’’ Yes, of course. It is a must that a
It is a matter of water polo player should be a good
YAHAN
prioritising and swimmer, and given the current rules and
setting goals in regulations of water polo, being a fast
swimmer would give a clear competitive
life. I was able advantage over the opponents. Some
to balance swimming experts might say water
both sports polo would affect a performance of a
A ROLE
competitive swimmer. I was able to
and education excel in both sports and represent Sri
because I knew Lanka in swimming and water polo. It is
what my goals just a notion of some of the swimming
coaches to disapprove swimmers playing
were, and I water polo, but I believe it is up to the
was disciplined
MODEL
individual to balance the two sports.
to follow a plan
How did you juggle your education
to achieve the Q and sports?
goals.
’’ Sports have helped me to discipline
myself, manage time and be punctual. I
TO OTHERS
remember I used to jump into the pool
at 5 a.m. in the morning for swimming,
and if we were a minute late we would be
punished. I carried forward the discipline
which was inculcated from sports. This
By Grace Wickremasinghe made it easy for me to balance education
and sports.
Y
ahan Samarajeewa, Head boy of I’m currently playing water polo at
Royal College in 2009, is truly the national and club level, and also It is a matter of prioritising and setting
an exceptional young sportsman. focusing on my professional career in the goals in life. I was able to balance both
He is currently a part of Hela Clothing and apparel manufacturing industry. Apart sports and education because I knew what
was at MAS Holdings after graduating from following my passion in sports and my goals were and I was disciplined to
from the National University of Singapore focusing on my professional career, I follow a plan to achieve the goals.
completing Executive Education in have embarked on a new chapter of sports
Strategic Management. He has also CIMA event management, and also looking at How was the support you received
qualified. venturing into IT solutions during my
Q from home?
leisure time.
He was the Vice Captain of Sri Lanka My parents supported me from a young
Men’s Water Polo team in 2013, being an One might say pursuing sports in Sri age to help balance sports and education
active player since 2008. Yahan has also Lanka after leaving school isn’t the instead of pushing you just to study and
ranked in the 2006 South Asian Games, smartest idea, but I disagree. Playing not get too involved in sports. Seems like
South Asian Swimming Championship water polo has taught me life lessons these days there are a lot of talented kids
in Pakistan in 2007 and the Asian School which have given me an edge to compete who are pushed away from sports and
Games in Malaysia in 2008. He has also in the corporate sector. forced to just study. The parents’ guidance
represented Sri Lanka in Thailand in 2005 and support at an early age to balance
at the Asian Age Group Championship. sports and education can be a blessing in
Since 2010, to date, Yahan has been a Q How did you get in to water polo? the future to actually have a successful
member of the Sri Lanka Navy Water Polo balanced life, both career wise and family
team. I was a good swimmer and swimming wise.
complimented water polo. I was 13 years
He was the first sportsman to be awarded when a senior water polo player dragged Being appointed the head boy at
the Royal Crown twice at the annual colours me to play house matches and ever since Q Royal, how has your sports helped
night in recognition of his unique talents. I fell in love with the sport. I have been you to get there?
playing water polo for the last 13 years
During his college life, the youngster has and I have led the college team and the Sports helped me a lot to lead the greatest
balanced his education and his swimming club to victory. I was also the second in school in the island. Especially being part
and water polo and is a role model for his command of the national water polo team of a team sport and leading a team helped
school mates. since 2013. me immensely to serve college as the
head prefect.
What are you involved in at the Was swimming eventually a support
Q moment?
Q sport for polo? What I realised from captaining the

college water polo and
’’ I applied every leadership skill I learnt from
swimming team is necessarily
the captain shouldn’t be the best
sports while I was the head prefect at Royal.
player; it is how capable you I gave autonomy and trusted the skill of the
are of managing talent. I believe fellow prefects to carry out projects. I was truly
I was successful because I was
able to identify the capability
privileged to lead a bunch of talented prefects in
and the talent of the players
in utilising them well. I learnt
when to lead from the front and
2010.
’’
when to lead from the back.
I applied every leadership skill

I learnt from sports while I was
the head prefect at Royal. I
gave autonomy and trusted the
skill of the fellow prefects to
carry out projects. I was truly
privileged to lead a bunch of
talented prefects in 2010.
If you could play for any

Q team in the world which
would it be and why?
It would be the champion

Hungary Olympic water polo
team of 2004.
They played a tactically

advanced and physical game
in the final. Any water polo
enthusiast would have enjoyed
the playing style of the
Hungarians.
What are your future

Q goals?
I would want to build on the

new venture of sports event
management and sports
consultation. I would always
like to share my experiences
and give back what I have
learnt through sports to the
society.
Q Any advice for young

swimmers and water polo
players?
Always set goals in your life

and never give up until you
achieve it. You might have to
sacrifice a lot in life to achieve
the goals, but at the end when
you achieve it, you will never
regret any of the sacrifices
made along the journey.

SPORTS TODAY Water Polo
Captain Vice-captain Coach

Shehan Thisura Yahan Malaka
Dassanayake Thamanegama Samarajeewa Chandradasa

SPORTS TODAY Zumba
GETTING INTO
SHAPE
SLIM
& Tone VIP Fitness
Centre for women,
held a free Zumba
and medical workshop at its headquarters
auditorium in Wattala Sunday March 6.
It was conducted by SLIM & Tone VIP

Fitness Centre’s Managing Director,
Aysha Nasar with a feature of the event
being nutritionist Subani Muthuthanthiri
explaining about diets and nutrition.
It provided an opportunity to attract new

members and advice them on the benefits
of fitness and importance of nutrition.
The main objective was to create a

better healthy lifestyle among women
in Sri Lanka by advising them on the
importance of fitness and nutrition.
Around 10 new members joined SLIM &

Tone VIP Fitness Centre at the event and
there were around 70 women in total.

’’ The free ZUMBA
and medical was
conducted by SLIM
& Tone VIP Fitness
Centre’s Managing
Director, Aysha Nasar.
A feature of the
event was nutritionist
Subani Muthuthanthiri
explaining about diets
and nutrition.
’’

SPORTS TODAY Rugby
’’
St. Joseph’s 2016
Skipper, Priyankara Romesh,
dubbed the cheetah of the team
Scrumdown
because of his reputation for
quickness and speedy reflex, is
probably the fastest schoolboy rugby
player on show this season. He plays
second forward, and has scored six
tries during the 2015 season.
’’
By Yureshya Perera
T
he Blue and White uniformed seniors of whom four are coloursmen. The
rugby team gear up for 2016 with cornerstone is the inherent combinative
great passion and enhanced skills team strength as an unit.
with the assistance of their coach Bilal
Yusuf. The first XV Rugby team of St. The coach, Yusuf carries a 13-year long
Josephs College, Colombo, captained by solid experience during which he has
Romesh Priyankara, and vice-captained coached the Royal first XV rugby team,
by Devon Fernando, spoke to SPORTS CR & FC and the Sri Lanka Under-20
TODAY about team preperations for 2016. rugby team. He is also the strength and
conditioning coach for the team. Bilal
Romesh, dubbed the cheetah of the team emphasises on the ‘hard work pay off’
because of his reputation for quickness foundation to success.
and speedy reflex, is probably the fastest
schoolboy rugby player on show this St. Joseph’s won the “Basil Weerathunga
season. He plays second forward and has Trophy” in 2015 in school rugby’s
scored six tries during the 2015 rugby traditional ‘Battle of the Saints’ encounter
season. The Vice-Captain, Devon Fernando, against arch rivals St. Peters College.
is a skillful forward, who mans the back line
which is the three quarter line, according to The captain and coach have their goals set
his coach, Bilal Yusuf. The team comprises on remaining among the top five this season,
of 15 players, where five of them are and to retain the “Weerathuga Trophy”.

Warming up

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THE NATIONAL SPORTS MAGAZINE OF SRI LANKA

Sports, The Life

KANDY FAZIL MARIJA

THE GREATEST SHOW

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 1

40. WEIGHTLIFTING 68. DIVING

22. GYMNASTICS 106. CRICKET 28. RECREATION

4 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

118. RUGBY 58. WEIGHTLIFTING

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 5

Long-term national sports planning

SPORTS TODAY mechanism required

6 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 7

8 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 9

10 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

During this year additional race days may

12 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

The Club has a

The Nuwara Eliya Racecourse all spruced up.

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 13

14 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

Mathew does not believe in role

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 15

16 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

18 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

HARDSHIPS Of course, as Rumeshika stresses, the minister’s support and encouragement.

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 19

FORD, FORD’s the Slogan!

20 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

The bonus in this second honeymoon is the

In the circumstances, it is a type of make

’’ The bonus in this

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 21

22 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

My Coach often advised me to eat natural

Q What kind of support did you

I canot forget the support from my parents.

My parents made my dream come true by

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 23

a scholarship to Russia to study

Thimasha Pathirage with National Coach Aruna Prasad

24 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 27

Mind & Physique

28 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

30 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

32 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 33

34 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

The medium built Sharmal’s German

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April SPORTS TODAY 37

Being Horse Savvy!

Sohania Aziz (25)

38 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

Eastha Dediwela (13) Yasora Wickramasinghe (16)

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 39

’’ Having By Len Maxwell

40 March - April 2016 www.facebook.com/sportstodaysrilanka

Indeed, the sports authorities

www.sportstoday.lk 2016 March - April 41

The 53-year old Julia’s

stretching, according to the