• Rejects suggestions of mental barrier against China 
• Says Dilshan has always been on the radar

The Chair of the national Rugby Selection Committee Brigadier Kapila Knowlton says that the hosts have been set a target of finishing among the top four, when the second leg of the Men’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series kicks off at Racecourse Grounds in Colombo tomorrow (17).

Sri Lanka who ended seventh in the Sevens competition at the recently concluded 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan will have home support to aid their cause for an improved display over the weekend.

Speaking to The Daily Morning Sports, ahead of the second leg, former Sri Lanka centre Knowlton, stated that the morale of the players has not been dented in any way following their unconvincing outing at the Asian Games.

Instead he said the team led this time by ex-Royal and CR and FC star Janidu Dilshan, was determined to right the wrongs in Nagoya, with an impactful showing before the home fans.

“The boys were in no way downcast contrary to what certain people have been saying,” the Chief Selector noted.

“Yes, they struggled to live up to expectations but it was not for want of trying. However, this time being the hosts the team is ultra-motivated to impress and the target given to them is to achieve a top four finish.”

Turning to the 13-member squad for the second leg, the former Army captain observed that they had chosen the final squad with the added focus on speed to overcome stronger opponents.

He expressed optimism that the home side could take down a few high profile scalps on their way to their desired goal.

“We are banking on out and out speed to get the better of some of the formidable teams in the competition,” he said.

“With that in mind, we have selected players such as Jayathu Rajaratne, Janidu Dilshan, Shaahid Zumri, Pasindu Bandara, Diluksha Dange, Akash Madushanka and Gayan Perera.”

Knowlton stated that Janidu Dilshan had been handed over the captain’s armband due to Srinath Sooriyabandara having relinquished the captaincy in the aftermath of the Asian Games.

He argued that three-quarter Dilshan had always been on their radar, despite being ignored for the first leg of the Sevens series in China preceding the Asian Games.

The Chief Selector opined that the absence through injury of Chathura Soysa and Dilan Ekanayake will be felt by the home team, and pointed out that Gemunu Chethiya had been left out due to disciplinary reasons.

Asked whether Sri Lanka has a mental barrier to overcome when pitted against China in the format, the ex-centre rejected the suggestion.

He pointed out that it was more an issue of inability to confront the physically bigger players than anything to contend with on the mental side, but remarked that they would look to outfox such teams with extra speed in their own backyard.

However, according to neutral observers, the ‘Tuskers’ will start the second leg of the AR Sevens Series 2026 under mounting pressure, brought forth over two seventh place finishes at both the first leg of the AR Series and at the Asian Games, respectively.

The squad comprises Janidu Dilshan (capt.), Diluksha Dange, Akash Madusanka, Isuru Kongahawatta, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Shahid Zumri, Pasindu Bandara, Davinda Rathnayake, Gayan Perera, Nilesh Ragavan, Jayathu Rajarathna, Kavindu Perera and Maliksha Perera.