Isipathana College, Colombo has been a dominant force in school rugby over the past two decades and remains a formidable contender in this year’s Dialog ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament.
After finishing third in last year’s ‘A’ Division League and securing runners-up berth in the Knock-out Tournament, the team from Havelock Town is driven to achieve the rugby double this season, a feat last accomplished in 2022.
Under the leadership of Number Eight Nisaja Jayaweera and vice-captain centre Shahid Zumri Isipathana College started their campaign with convincing victories. They triumphed over Sri Sumangala 50-3 and outplayed Science College 19-9 in their first two matches, aiming to maintain an unbeaten streak in the League.
Alongside Jayaweera and Zumri, the team boasts of the experience of nine other senior players. Guiding them once again is head coach Saliya Kumara, a former national full back, supported by assistant coach Dhaushka Boteju, a seasoned prop forward of Isipathana’ and Sri Lanka
Isipathana College’s rugby legacy dates back to their historic triple crown victories in 1997 under Vajira Hewage, repeated in 1999 under Krishantha Chandran. In 2012, under Kumendra Dharmadasa’s leadership, they clinched the rugby double, followed by another triple crown triumph in 2014 led by flanker Shenal Deelaka. In 2016, guided by centre Kushan Indunil, Isipathana claimed the rugby double once more.
In 2022,Dahan Wickramarachchi led the team to glory, securing both the ‘A’ Division League title and the Knock-out Title
Despite finishing third in last year’s ‘A’ Division League, behind St Peter’s and Royal, and being runners-up in the Knock-out Tournament, losing to Petertites in the final, Isipathana continues to uphold its rugby heritage. The college has proudly produced 82 national players who have represented Sri Lanka with distinction in international rugby.
Looking ahead, Isipathana College faces Dharmaraja College on June 29 at Havelock Park, followed by matches against S Thomas’ College on July 6, Trinity College on July 13, and DS Senanayake College on July 21 at Sugathadasa Stadium. They conclude their season against St Anthony’s College on July 22 at Nittawela.
Isipathana College remains committed in its pursuit of rugby excellence, blending tradition with a relentless drive for victory on the field.
By – Daily News