This week’s stars of the school rugby arena are two rising forces that are making strides in the oval ball game. They have accomplished considerable feats in the past and now yearn for better prospects.
Sumangala: Looking to the future
Going back in time, the rugby team of Kandy’s Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College had a great year in 1997, earning promotion to the top league. Their debut ‘A’ Division game was led under the stewardship of Sidath Chandraratne in 1998.
The school has a strong tradition of developing talented players. Among them are the Silva brothers, Upul (former Army and Sri Lanka fullback) and Ajith (former fullback for Army, CR & FC, and Sri Lanka). Other notable alumni include Lal Wijesiri, a former Navy, Kandy SC, and Sri Lanka wing three-quarter, and Nimal Wijesiri, who played for Army and Sri Lanka.
Records indicate that Sumangala, fondly known as ‘Summa rugby,’ had a first XV rugby side as early as the 1970s, and the school was a consistent competitor in the ‘B’ Division throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
The school itself has undergone several transformations since its establishment in 1879. It was initially founded as St. Paul’s College, serving as a junior school branch of Trinity College. The school was officially named Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College in 1991.
After being relegated to the ‘C’ Division in 2014, a dedicated group of past players launched the Summa Rugby Integration initiative. Their efforts have clearly paid off as the school has become a hotspot for rugby in the top league.
The coaching team is led by Malith Hettiarachchi (Head Coach and Forwards Coach), a former Sri Lanka player and Kingswood College Captain with extensive experience. He is supported by Asanka Perera as Backs Coach, focusing on agility and speed, and Anush Kolonne as Assistant Coach, a seasoned mentor from Vidyartha College.
Sri Sumangala 1st XV squad 2025
Forwards: Yasiru Thiwanka (Vice Captain), Ifky Hameed (Vice Captain), K.G. Rashmika Dilshan, Tharusha Theekshana, Anuhas Jayasooriya, Resandu Sahas, T. Dilshan, Achila Saminda, O. Induwara, Maleesha Dewshan, Mohomed Akram, Lakwidu Denuwan, Shiwantha Madushan, Thejaka Deshan, Anjana Nirmal, Muditha Gimhana, and Lakshitha Abhilash
Backs: Adithya Rathnayake (Captain), Sashika Bandara, Y.L. Masith Induwara, Ramitha Kavinda, Pasindu Bhanuka, Shaluka Abhishek, Pasindu Samarakoon, Pabasara Nirmal, Naveeja Aknath, Niwton San Santhaka, Akila Kumara, Pasindu Gimhana, Praveen Udagedara, and Chamod Nirmal
Fixtures: Round 1
Vs. Trinity in Pallekele (lost 49-15)
Vs. Royal in Bogambara (lost 53-3)
Vs. Vidyartha in Bogambara (won 24-12)
Vs. Thurstan in Bogambara – 27 June
Vs. St. Joseph’s at CR & FC – 5 July
Mahanama: Here for the kill
The boys from Duplication Road are here to make waves in Sri Lanka’s schools rugby arena with ultimate willpower and strength to last until the final whistle.
Mahanama College, Colombo are back with the top guns after a 16-year-long hiatus. They are tasting ‘A’ Division league rugby after 2009 and are already sending out warning signals to their much-fancied opponents.
Mahanama rugby has been on a great run. After years of getting better and believing in themselves, they were unbeaten last year, becoming ‘B’ Division champions and going on to win the Premier Trophy finals beating Ananda College.
Led by skipper Navith Kannangara, the boys are oozing with confidence after a superb game against undisputed Knockout Champions Isipathana College in their league opener at Havelock Park. Mahanama proved their mettle last weekend when they toppled 2013 League Champions Dharmaraja College in Ratmalana 15-5.
They have retained the services of many players from 2024 and recruited some talented youngsters as well. With months of intense training and a well-balanced outfit, these lads are ready for the top division.
Devinda Pathiranage continues his dream run as Head Coach, providing crucial stability after an unbeaten season last year. Well known rugby stalwart Dushmantha Priyadarshana is the Assistant Coach. Athula Pathmasiri, Renuja Silva, and Sandapa Santhush also round out the coaching team.
Mahanama 1st XV squad 2025
Forwards: Ishanka Sajana, Nesara Nenula, Vemanga Marakkalage, Sandaru Rathnayake, Deshan Avishka, Pasindu Adithya, Udan Ranthul, Chamiru Methsanda (Vice Captain), Hansaka Shakya, Shashimal Shivinda, Akilesh Hettigodage, Maindu Gunawardhana, Wenuka Amantha, Sanula Layal, Tharindu Rashmitha, Kethaka Kalindu, Lakindu Sanudika, and Viduna Sri Wasthuka
Backs: Isuru Akash, Mandilu Nimsara (Vice Captain), Nihindu Damsuka, Suhas Kaveesha, Sithum Sandeepa, Tharusha Deshan, Sithupa Fernando, Sahan Dissanayake, Malinka Danuja, Avishka Dinesh, Nethun Wijesinghe, and Navith Kannangara (Captain)
Fixtures: Round 1
Vs. Isipathana at Havelocks (lost 34-19)
Vs. Dharmaraja in Ratmalana (won 15-5)
Vs. S. Thomas’ in Ratmalana (lost 50-35)
Vs. Kingswood in Bogambara – 29 June
Vs. Zahira in Maradana – 5 July