Sri Lankan Rugby icon Srinath Sooriyabandara Bids Farewell to International Rugby Sri Lanka national rugby sevens icon Srinath Sooriyabandara has officially announced his retirement from international rugby, marking the end of a brilliant career that spanned well over a decade.
Sooriyabandara played his final international match during Sri Lanka’s 5th-place playoff victory (33–5) against Malaysia at the Asian Sevens Rugby Tournament leg held in Colombo.
Having started his rugby journey at Isipathana College, Colombo, Sooriyabandara quickly rose through the ranks as one of the most agile and dynamic playmakers in the country. Over his illustrious career, he featured for top domestic clubs including CR & FC, Up Country Lions, Sri Lanka Navy, and Kandy Sports Club.
A stalwart of the Sri Lanka Sevens setup since 2010, Sooriyabandara represented the country at multiple Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and Asia Rugby Sevens Series, including captaining the national squad.
Tributes have poured in from fans, teammates, and the broader Sri Lankan sports community, celebrating “Soori” for his exceptional playmaking, leadership, and unwavering commitment to Sri Lankan rugby.