Sanath Martis the mastermind behind Sri Lanka Rugby’s triumph

Indeed, adherence to international standards was paramount, as Martis emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate representation of frontline forwards within the squad. The final selection process ended in the formation of a integrated unit, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead on the field of play.

But success did not come without sacrifice. Martis and his dedicated team of coaches, including assistant coaches Dushanth Lewke and Nilfer Ibrahim, along with Manager Commodore Sanath Pitigala and his support staff, devoted countless hours to sharpening the team’s skills and encouraging a strong sense of bonding.

“We sacrificed our time, our knowledge, and even time with our families to give our all to this endeavour,” Martis affirmed. “It was a collective effort, with everyone involved fully committed to the cause.”

Financial support from Sports and Youth Affairs, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando and generous sponsorship from companies such as Nippon Paint, First Capital and Asia Rugby provided crucial backing, ensuring that the team had the resources necessary to compete at the highest level.

Yet, beyond financial assistance, Martis emphasized the importance of playing for national pride above all else. “We delivered for our country, not for the money,” Marits declared. “Our goal was to inspire and entertain our fellow Sri Lankans, instilling confidence in the future of Sri Lankan rugby.”

Looking ahead, Marits outlined the importance of nurturing young talent and dispelling outdated notions of foreign superiority within the rugby community. He stressed the need for rigorous preparation to compete at the Tier ‘A’ level, where teams face formidable opponents from Korea, Malaysia, and UAE.

Previously, even for SLR presidents struggled to find coaches, resorting to hiring foreigners, who couldn’t deliver. However, the tide has turned, with the Rugby Council expressing confidence in homegrown coaching talent.

“Our success is a proof to the talent and dedication of Sri Lankan coaches,” Martis asserted. “It’s time to recognize and invest in our local expertise, empowering our players to compete and excel on the international field.”

By – Daily News