• Scholar, lecturer, wrestler, ruggerite, weight/power lifter – an inspiration to all

Today we bring to you someone that each and every youngster aspiring to reach the zenith can look up to and grasp for inspiration. Uwin Ariyarathna is one of the perfect examples of the most versatile student-athlete the writer could recommend to our youth of the island nation and beyond. 

From the lush Randles Hill of Kandy, he has travelled many a miles in his sporting and academic journey inspiring hearts and minds of our youth to be the best in what they do. In 2019 Uwin set a remarkable benchmark in history becoming the first graduate at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura (USJ) to win both the Best Student and the Most Outstanding Student award. From a Student-Athlete, Ariyarathna is now a Lecturer-Athlete and knocking on the doors of a world class university in the UK.

Let’s go through the life and times of our protagonist today, where he sat with The Daily Morning for an inspirational chat.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Tell us in brief, who is Uwin Ariyarathna?

I am the eldest son in a family of four and currently work as a lecturer in the Department of Business Finance at the University of Peradeniya. I graduated from the Department of Finance at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and am a proud past pupil of Kingswood College and Vidyartha College, Kandy. As a well-rounded individual, I have consistently excelled in academics,sports, leadership, CSR and teamwork. 

My academic achievements reflect my dedication to learning, while my prowess in rugby, wrestling, powerlifting, and weightlifting underscores my commitment to physical and mental discipline. I have represented my school, university, and the Sri Lanka University team in rugby and competed at the university level in other sports. As a leader, I have demonstrated the ability to inspire and guide others, fostering an environment of collaboration and achievement. Additionally, I am a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment-UK, Sri Lanka Finance Association, and The Institute of Chartered Professional Managers of Sri Lanka.

How did you step into the world of sports? 

I began playing rugby in Grade 3 at the Kandy Sports Club Mini Rugby Academy and later captained the Under-12, 14, and 16 teams at Vidyartha College, Kandy. I joined the 1st XV team of Kingswood College from 2010 to 2012, captaining the team in 2012. From 2015 to 2018, I played for the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, captaining the team in 2016/17, and serving as vice-captain for the Sri Lanka University team at the 2018 World University Rugby Championship.

At university, I also excelled in wrestling, winning the Inter-University championships in my freshman year. I competed in weightlifting and powerlifting, becoming the university’s powerlifting champion throughout my years there. In 2017, I was elected President of the Sports Council at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. I earned school colours from 2010 to 2012, university colours from 2015 to 2018, and Sri Lanka University colours from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, I was named Best Rugby Player and Best Wrestler in 2015.

Who is/are your role model/s?

Growing up, I looked up to many role models, including Richie McCaw, Sonny Bill Williams, Kumar Sangakkara, Aravinda de Silva, and Fazil Marija. Their dedication and character deeply inspired me. In university, I was influenced by numerous passionate professors at both the University of Peradeniya and the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. Naming them all is difficult because the list is long, but I am incredibly grateful to each of them. As a young academic, I’ve learned so much from these senior scholars, and I sincerely thank them for their support and opportunities.

Tell us about your school life from kindergarten to A/L's, your journey.

I began my schooling at JMC International in Colombo, attending grades 1 and 2, before moving to Vision International Kandy for Grade 3. I then joined Vidyartha College, Kandy, from Grade 4 to 11, where I excelled, passing both the Grade 5 Scholarship and Ordinary Level Examinations with flying colours. For my A/Ls, I chose Kingswood College, Kandy, in the commerce stream, achieving 4 out of 4 distinctions and securing the best results in the school. The guidance I received from teachers at each of these schools played a crucial role in shaping who I am today.

How did you manage rugby and studies?

Balancing sports and academics was no small feat, but I learned it is achievable with careful planning and prioritisation. With academic and sports schedules provided in advance, I developed a routine that allowed me to excel in both areas. My mornings began with three hours of study before heading to university, followed by wrestling practice, which served as a warm-up for rugby. After a day of physical exertion, I prioritised rest, ensuring a full night’s sleep. During exam periods, I focused on academics, scaling back on social activities, sports events, and travel to ensure top performance in my studies. This disciplined approach, combined with short-term and long-term planning, allowed me to successfully manage the demands of both sports and academics.

What do you have to say to youngsters who find it difficult to balance studies and sports?

For youngsters finding it tough to balance studies and sports, effective time management and clear priorities are key. With 24 hours in a day and 6-7 hours needed for sleep, you have around 17-18 hours to manage everything else. Since we can’t turn back time like Hermione Granger in ‘Harry Potter’, planning is crucial. Use your smartphone to create a to-do list and set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely). Stay disciplined, and don’t forget to balance work with proper rest and recovery. Also, remember to be flexible, sometimes plans need adjusting, and that's okay. Balancing studies and sports is challenging, but with determination and smart strategies, it's definitely achievable.

What are your recent updates in life? What are you venturing into these days?

I secured the prestigious Commonwealth Master's Scholarship for 2024 to study at Imperial College London, which is currently ranked second in the world according to the latest QS University rankings. This fully-funded scholarship, valued at over £ 67,000, will support my studies in the UK for one year. Following this, I have also secured admission for a PhD in Finance at the University of Oklahoma, USA, for the 2025 fall intake. After completing my Master's in the UK, I will continue my academic journey in the USA for five years.

What are the most unforgettable sporting moments in your life?

One of my most unforgettable sporting moments was during the 2010 Rugby League when we faced Isipathana College at Havelock Park. In that crucial match, we lost three key players due to injuries, including our captain, and received three yellow cards. It was only my second match as a 1st XV player, and despite Isipathana leading for most of the game, we managed to score a try in the final minutes, securing an incredible comeback victory. That experience truly stands out in my rugby career.

Where do you see sports in Sri Lanka now? Where can we develop?

I believe Sri Lanka has immense potential in various sports, not just cricket, which is the most popular here. Rugby, for instance, is showing incredible promise, especially after witnessing the talent in the recent school season. These young players are full of potential, and I think we can excel in rugby, as well as in football, netball, and athletics, where our athletes have already performed well.

In other countries, athletes often earn degrees in sports science or related fields, which helps them understand the science behind their sports. I believe our athletes should also be educated in areas like anatomy and nutrition to support their future careers. Sri Lanka should invest in sending athletes abroad, such as to the USA, for training opportunities, allowing them to develop their skills and represent the country on the world stage.

What is your message to the future sports people?

To future sportspeople, my advice is to embrace both your athletic and academic journeys with equal dedication. Remember, your mind is as important as your physical abilities. Educate yourself about your sport, including the science behind it – understanding physiology, nutrition, and mental conditioning will give you an edge. Be resilient in the face of challenges and never stop pushing your limits. Seek out mentors, stay humble, and always be open to learning. Your dedication today will shape the future of sports and inspire the next generation.

We at The Daily Morning hope that Uwin’s journey will inspire the youth of Lanka to reach the global pinnacle in both academics and sports.  

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Uwin Ariyarathna – Academic achievements

• Awarded Commerce Student of the Year 2013 at Kingswood College, Kandy, for achieving the best academic results in the school, earning distinctions in all four subjects
• Graduated with a BSc. in Finance (Special) from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 2018, earning a First-Class distinction with a GPA of 3.95/4, including 38 A's out of 40 subjects. Awarded the Venerable Prof. (Dr.) Walpola Sri Rahula Maha Thera Memorial Gold Medal for Best Student and the Dr. Patrick Mendis Prize for Most Outstanding Student at the 2019 General Convocation this was the first time in history a single graduate was awarded both these medals
• Received the Teaching Excellence Award 2023 at the Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya (UOP) awarded to the lecturer with highest student and peer evaluation ratings, and commitment towards teaching.
• Secured two University Research Council (URC) Multidisciplinary Research Grants in 2024, totaling Rs. 4 million, and received University Research Grants (URG) in 2022, 2023, and 2024 from the University of Peradeniya (UOP)

Soft Skill Awards

• Awarded the Best Employability Skills Achiever (BESA) in 2016 at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for outstanding academic performance, excellence in extracurricular activities, leadership, and industry-related knowledge
• Recognised as the Best Leader in 2017 at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura for exemplary leadership as the Sports Council President, 1st XV Rugby Captain, Chief Organiser of ‘Sneharadhara’ CSR Project etc.
• Named Best Leader in 2013 at Kingswood College for leadership as Captain of the School 1st XV Rugby Team

Sports Achievements (rugby and wrestling)

• 1st XV Rugby Player in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and captained the team in 2012
• Member League Runners-up outfit in 2010
• Member of All Island 7s Runners-up teams of 2011-2012 and won William Weerasinghe Trophy in 2010-2011 
• Played for the University of Sri Jayewardenepura Rugby Team from 2015 to 2018, captaining the team in 2017 and leading them to a Runners-up finish in the KDU 10s Rugby Tournament. Represented the University team at UITM sports fiesta held in Malaysia 2015. Named Best Rugby Player in 2016 for scoring 14 tries in five matches and recognised as the highest try scorer of the Sri Lanka University Games in 2016. Awarded Sri Lanka University Colors for Rugby from 2015 to 2018
• Vice Captain of Sri Lanka University Rugby Team for World University Rugby Championship 2018 in Namibia where Sri Lanka ranked 8th in the world
• Awarded as the Best Wrestler at the University for being the gold Medalist of Sri Lanka University Wrestling Championship 2015 and was awarded Sri Lanka University Colors for Wrestling in 2015

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