www.thepapare.com - Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Details: Category: Generalarticles; Published on Thursday, 24 February 2011 14:30; Written by Asith Geethanga De SIlva; Hits: 5473

Esala de Livera Tennakoon

Represented the Thomian 1st XV rugby in the years 2006 and 2007 and was adjudged player of the year for 2007. Esala has played 2nd XI Cricket for STC and was also part of the 1st XI cricket teambriefly in the years 2005 and 2007. Fast around the park, Esala earned his colours in Athletics in the year 2007 after breaking a long standing Thomian relay record.

He is currently following an Undergraduate Degree at ACBT-final year and he has been coaching the S Thomas College Rugby teams at different levels for 3 years. He is considered well-versed in the technical aspect of rugby

Commentary is his first love and forte, even the cricket match next door is a sufficient podium for Esala to air himself out. He has been commentating at many a sport and his big break came when he was asked to guest commentate at the international rugby tournament – Carlton 7s.

Esala claims having a twin has a good and bad side. The good side is getting his twin to act as him and the other way round as no one notices. The bad side; still some people give us the same gifts or expect us to share.

The idea man at ThePapare he, possesses a flare for bringing out new things. Cricket, Basketball, Golf, come under his purview and he functions as co-editor/content provider as well as commentator. Girls love his charm and find they are unable to resist anything he asks. At the moment he is besotted by the Axe woman.

His ambition is to become the biggest sports personality in Sri Lanka.

Sankha de Livera Tennakoon

A former 1st XV Thomian rugby player excelled in position of fly-half for college in the years 2006 & 2007 and obtained colours in the year 2007. He is most remembered as a twin from 'Thora', as he and his brother Esala were a deadly halves combination for the Thomian outfit in 2007. He also played Cricket for STC and was the 2nd XI captain for the 2006/2007 season Naturally fast, he was an athlete who specialized in 400 meters and 800 meters, and was awarded Athletic colours in the year 2007 after breaking a Thomian relay record.

He is currently pursuing his higher studies at ACBT and has a diploma in management and he currently serves as the overall junior head coach at STC.

Sankha is the backbone of ThePapare and the contact point for everyone. Manages the writers and details them for coverage. While rugby, water polo, swimming, are his distinguished areas, administration duties also get landed on him, but he shows good aptitude as a Manager. He also gets involved in coverage of the bigger events and functions as co-editor/content provider for ThePapare.

Currently Sankha is distracted and dismantled by the fact that the love of his life is moving beyond his reach. Without his presence any Papare event feels disoriented.

Sankha’s ambition is to remain a top sports personality and drive ThePapare to the top.

Ganeesha David

A free-lance writer, specializing in cricket for over 12 years, her forte is features/profile interviews. Is currently the only woman cricket writer in Sri Lanka. Was also the editor of www.srilankasports.com. Her article ‘A tale of two friends’ came in for praise by many quarters and was picked by Cricinfo as best of the web in March 2006. Ganeesha has a knack for delivering the most mundane facts dressed up dramatically using eye-catching captions such as ‘A clairvoyance of a favourite idol’ ‘ Oh what a circus’ and ‘The lone-ranger’, ‘Running for their lives’, ‘The king and his knight’‘minnows in flash-flood’ and her personal favourite ‘the man stood on the burning deck’ describing Aravinda de Silva. Her articles have been published periodically in all local newspapers and websites such as thewicket.com, Lankaweb,Asia Tribune,andYahoo Sport.

Ganeesha is now attached to theThePapare as a consultant, editing/planning content, detailing and handling ThePapare events.She is the nagger in the outfit; relentlessly pushing to complete tasks.

Her biggest challenge has been overcoming the man’s domain – ‘sport’. But following cricket ardently from formative years and an innate insight to the workings of sport has seen her through some hard obstacles and a thick-skin has taken her through some very awkward moments.

Philosophical about life, she has no goals, plans or ambitions, living very much in the now with short term motivational projects like putting ThePapare on the map.

Sachin (BIG BOB) David

Was a part of the conquering Thomian 1st XV rugby side that ended up league runners-up by a tiny margin in 2009. He also represent Sri Lanka at the Junior Asiad and turned out for CR & FC in 2010 as an up and coming prop. David considers it a privilege to have got the opportunity of working under the famous New Zealand coach/tournament director George Simpkin for the Carlton 7s in a short stint the SLRFU.

He is presently coaching U 18 team of S Thomas and is studying for his degree in Management.

The ex-prop functions primarily as a rugby reporter for ThePapare. However he also reports on the areas of Football, Hockey and gets involved in coverage. Co-ordinates ThePapare with the SLRFU and is still in the nursery-stages of commentary though his vast insight to rugby makes him a prospect for the future.

David is teased for his connections with various uncles in higher places that come in handy for ThePapare projects. Talking about relations he has the worst end of the deal as his mother Ganeesha (another Paparite) badgers him ceaselessly on Papare jobs in addition to the laundry. Their un-ending fights are a huge source of amusement at ThePapare.

Re-christened Sachin Bobby David by his mates for no apparent reason, this large person’s short-term ambition is to complete his degree without letting his love for rugby come in the way. His long term goal is to run a diner.

Charit Tissera

He represented Royal College in both Tennis and Cricket from 2001-2003. He was appointed a Primary Prefect in 1999 & a Junior Prefect in 2003, for his involvement in academic and extra-curricular activities. Since his junior years he had been a contributor to the College Magazine,‘The Royalist’. Charit has held top posts in a number of Clubs and Societies at College while holding the posts as the Treasurer of the College Media Unit and the Chairman of the Film Society in 2007/2008. In 2007, he was awarded the prestigious President’s Scout award.

Charit is currently a final year Undergraduate at University of Wales and also an Affiliated Professional of Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Charit is considered a valuable asset to ThePapare. His nose is everywhere and known for his perfect execution of any job handed-over to him. Singularly created a following for Boxing and Squash and also gets involved in graphics and other technical matters of the site together with Asith. If there is a difficult job that needs someone dependable to do it, Charit is the automatic choice at ThePapare.

A voracious reader, he is into photography; loves to snap unconditional moments in life. Looks up to Kosi &Liga (Lishan)! Truly believes he carries creativity in his genes. Started using ‘Axe’ deodorant after the website took over advertising it and is infatuated by the Axe woman.

Ambition is to help make this world a peaceful place for all the living beings (this includes animals and other creatures as well).

Kosala (KOSI) Wickremanayake

The official Photographer of ThePapare.com and occasional writer, Kosala studied at Royal College (All Thomians admit to be the better school!). He represented Royal at Rowing and captained Rugby at junior level, but never had the good fortune or height to be at top level.

Subsequent to leaving school, he joined an Advertising Agency where he put his creativity to good use working clients such as AMW, Barista etc. 2 years after, he left it to pursue CIM which he soon outgrew and found himself back to square one.

He picked up the camera to get over his boredom, starting small with a point and shoot camera, upgrading to Lishan’s camera and finally, to his weapon of choice a DSLR!

Kosi joined ThePapare in 2009 as a writer for Rowing and in 2010 caught the attention for his rugby photographs. Since then has been known for the “Kosi Magic” capturing great on and off field moments for the site. He is rarely seen without his camera and is constantly being sought-after by sportsmen and fans to photograph them.

A little known fact is Kosi and brother Lishan, (also a Paparite) did their best to hide the disappointment of losing the ‘Brothers of the Year’ award to Esala and Sankha. Another low point was losing the best smile award to David!

It’s rumoured that Kosi was seen selling world cup tickets in the black market in order to fix his camera!

Lishan (LIGA) Wickremanayake

A former fixed asset of the Royal College Rowing Crew, Lishan was a rare 5th year coloursman and the vice-captain of 2006. Lishan was part of the ‘Immortals of 2007’ who whitewashed S. Thomas’ 40-nil at the Regatta and won the prestigious Boat Race. Known for his loud outbursts from the cox’s seat, he also serves as an umpire/official for many national regattas. He has since participated in the Madras- Colombo Boat Race, which is considered as one of the oldest sporting events in Asia.

He has also accomplished the impossible feat of balancing both his studies and his sporting activities by gaining admission to University of Colombo. Having topped his class at Royal College, Lishan is among the top 25 students in his Business Administration/Finance degree program. He is currently the Vice Captain of the University Rowing Crew.

Lishan has been a keen follower of ThePapare.com since its inception and joined its rank in June 2009. He serves as the primary correspondent of Rowing. He was also the first to take up the camera for ThePapare but has since given the mantle to his brother. But he is still seen wondering the outskirts of any sporting event with his trusty camera in hand. Liga, as he is mostly known is immaculate in detail and any jobs that need careful documentation or meticulous detail automatically goes to him.

Lishan is part of the dynamic RC group of 2007 that revived the Bradby Express.

He was saddened by the fact that he and his brother, Kosala, missed out on the ‘Brothers of the Year’ award to Sanka and Esala

Umar Samsudeen

Samsudeen played cricket for St.Peter’s from 2004-2007 where he ended up as Vice Captain. He was privileged to represent the Sri Lanka Under 17 side in 2004. While at school he was a senior college prefect and vice president of the Interact club.

He holds a Bachelors in Management and Marketing and worked for a short period at Bartleets. Samsudeen has also done a journalist stint at the Sunday Times for a period of 6 months.

Sama, as he is fondly referred to, is the aggressor at ThePapare. Heavily into investigative journalism and fearless in his reporting he thrives on bringing in the scoop! Never shy to call a spade a spade. He is also the joker of the pack, his precise imitations and anecdotes keep the gang in fits of laughter at sometimes mundane moments.

Sama’s area is mainly Sri Lanka Cricket and as he was languishing trying his very best to remain aimless for as long as possible, his father shipped him off to Australia to further his studies. He reports to ThePapare from Australia and is the general watch-dog for the website, making certain all is in place and keeping everyone on their toes.

Achala Ramanyake

A former deputy head prefect of Thurstan College, Achala excelled in both Cricket and Rugby had the distinction of receiving college colours for both the sports. Achala also was a 3rd year coloursman in the team that won the under 19 All Island Schools Cricket Championship in 2008. He also captained the college 2nd XI team in 2004/’05 and was the captain of under 13, 15 & 17 rugby teams respectively and was a member of the college 1st XV team in 2005 & 2006.

Currently studying in the final year for his Bachelor’s degree at ACBT, he is the student council Director Sports. He plays Cricket & Rugby for the university and is also the captain of the ACBT cricket team for 2010/11. Achala has also been a freelance sports journalist for Daily News for two years and had the rare opportunity to work with the 2011 cricket world cup media team as a volunteer.

Achala reports on cricket and rugby for Thepapare but gets involved in all other major coverage and events as well.

Diminutive though he may be, looks are deceptive; Achala has the ability to hold conversation on any level. He is very good at multi-tasking being involved in so many projects at the same time. A 'friendly guy with a friendly smile' attitude allows him to get on with any one which makes him a versatile character. He is always good with people and considered as one of the most popular personalities in both Thurstan and ACBT.

His ambition is to pursue a career in the field of marketing and management and climb the corporate ladder after completing his bachelors.

Timothy Rajaratnam

Timmy is what you would call quietly capable and loved by many.

During his school days has been very involved with many co curricular activities. Timothy was an office bearer of a few clubs and societies; he was a part of the school choir for many years and also a part of the Shakespeare drama cast in the latter part of his years. He also represented his school in tennis from under 15 and was awarded school colours in 2006. All his achievements resulted him being chosen as senior prefect in 2007/2008.

At ThePapare Tim takes care of Tennis and lends himself to all events of the site.

In addition he is also employed in the corporate sector and is reading for his degree at ACBT as well. Timothy was also part of the ACBT Cricket team up until the time he started working. Roger Federer, Fernando Verdasco and Jelena Jankovic are his favorites in the international tennis scene. He also loves to work with brands and has an ambition of becoming a director of a well known brand company one day.

He likes to be remembered as someone who was there at a point of need.

Ashan Perera

Inspired to photography by a friend, Ashan who ended up buying himself a DSLR has since not stopped clicking.

A 3rd year Business student at ANC, Ashan who schooled at Royal Institute was in to Athletics in school. After leaving school he played Rugby for the Havlocks B team for one season and continues playing for the ANC Rugby team.

Very much an outdoor type Ashan loves going camping in the jungle, and is a 4 x 4 fanatic. Photographing wild life is also his passion. It is only recently he diverted into Sports & event photography.

Ashan’s contribution to ThePapare has been immense of late as he is the at hand photographer for most of the matches/tournaments. Meticulous to detail Ashan is a very reliable addition to ThePapare.

He has a fad for the military

Dilshan Sirisena

An 'unusual' product of the school by the sea, boasts highly of his foster hometown and claims to be "born and bred in Galkissa" although many knew him to be from a village in Kurunegala. Dilshan Sirisena is also a popular old-boy of Science College though known as ‘bunis sira’ at the other school.

His height was the main crisis next to global warming in his world for many years till he started riding the bike with the seat lifted so high he couldn't keep his feet on the ground!

By sheer luck has managed to charm an innocent girl with the red hair-ribbon ;) However many say he first deceived the mil to be pretending to be a "law abiding, studious, student".

Jokes apart Dilshan is a massive value addition to ThePapare. Very efficient and precise with whatever he does, he has a passion to chase after news and does so very successfully. A media person reading news on a television station, Siri uses his experience and skill in that area effectively. Ironically he handles "Basketball" on the site (yes, it's usually played by taller guys) though he regularly covers rugby as well.

Works for a reputed firm named "Butterflies" Sirisena’s ambition is to do high profile interviews.

Dhammika Mahendra

Dhammika who is employed in a reputed firm took photography as a hobby and says he forgets the whole world whenever he gets hold of a camera. Dhammika tried out the guitar before the camera but found a clear penchant for the camera and is currently engaged in sport photography and concert photography.

He is diligent and very precise in his work and is the go to man when we need a job executed to perfection. He does research on the event he is scheduled to cover and digs deep into the subject.

A massive value addition to ThePapare, Dhammika is a grade one photographer for the site and is also a writer. He has the distinction of being the only Paparite who is involved in all areas of the website such as photography, videography and writing. He constantly brings content ideas and takes on projects by himself.

An ovo-lacto vegetarian , he admits to being an introvert and says he values people who are not stereotypes and loves deep conversations. Interested in - Psychology, Philosophy, Photography, he is CIMA qualified even though he does not have too much faith in his numbers.

He loves to cover rugby matches and his ambition is to take up photography as a profession.

Asith de Silva

A former Royalist, he took over ThePapare around 1 ½ years and has guided it to the place it is now. With a B.Sc in IT, MBA & M.Sc (Network Computing) he lectures at several educational institutes in addition to running ThePapare.com and other entities.

The Managing Director of the company, he gets fully immersed in all areas of the website.

Most diplomatic person in the team, he never jumps the gun, is a terrific listener and absolutely fabulous at handling people. Calm, rational and gives ear to everyone’s opinion and quietly makes his own. His strength is never being afraid to admit to what he does not know and being more than prepared to learn.

No clue to sports and gets thoroughly confused between Mt Lavinia Hotel and Galle Face Hotel constantly. Cheerfully lends his home for any Papare meeting or madness.

His vision for ThePapare is to become ESPN of Sri Lanka

Marketing Director

Prefers to be incognito.

The Marketing Director of the company, his strategies are always forceful and he impresses people with his knowledge of all around him.

Most disruptive at the Management meetings, he somehow manages to divert attention to some completely irrelevant subject. Meetings finish much faster when he is not around but he keeps everyone in splits when he is. Has made the most enemies for ThePapare categorically telling people what he feels. His marketing is approach is to tell people to take a hike, if they are demanding more than their pound of flesh. Though he is qualified to do so, Marketing is the last thing anyone should allow him to do.

His vision is to make ThePapare the ultimate news source.