Celebrating their Platinum 70th Rugby Anniversary this season, S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia, is all set to push the pedal to the metal in their pursuit of long-awaited 1st XV silverware at the School by the Sea. Let’s take a closer look at the Thomian team competing in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025.
History
The chronicle of Thomian rugby began with Noel Gratiaen urging Warden Canon R.S. de Saram to include rugby in the sports curriculum. In 1955, together with St. Joseph’s, the Thomians joined Trinity, Royal, and St. Peter’s in the fray. STC was first coached by Mahes Rodrigo. By 1956, the team was already making a name for itself—defeating St. Peter’s, Wesley, and St. Joseph’s, and managing a draw against the strong Royal College rugby team. It was clear the Thomians were becoming a force to be reckoned with.
From 1989 to 1991, considered the golden era of Thomian rugby under the stewardship of coach Quentin Israel, STC triumphed with a 47-match unbeaten streak, winning the league and knockout titles three years in a row under the captaincies of Rizvi Suhayb (1989), Narein Perera (1990), and Charya de Saram (1991).
At the turn of the new millennium, Gavin Jayasekara (2000) led the lads from Mt. Lavinia to an unbeaten A-Division league title. Since then, their hunt for glory has continued—with this year marking 25 years since they last basked in league silverware. In 2009, under Shavin Kapuwatte, the Thomians claimed their last major title by winning the President’s Trophy.
In 2013, led by Devin Jayasinghe, STC won all trophy/shield games while playing in the B-Division. In 2016, under Pandula de Silva and Naveen Henakankanamage, they became All-Island 7s Champions and successfully defended the title in 2017. Finishing as runner-up in 2016 remains their most recent highest league performance.
S. Thomas’ College has a long history of producing talented rugby players, many of whom have gone on to represent the national team. These include early legends such as Cholmondeley Henricus, Dickie Jayatilleke, Larry Schokman, Tony Sirimanne, Bumpy Jayasekera, Junie Cader, Michael Jayasekara, P. L. Munasinghe, Kolitha Gunatilleke, Asanga Seneviratne, and Chaminda Rupasinghe, as well as more recent stars like Savantha de Saram, Ashen Karthelis, H.C. Perera, Anuruddha Wilwara, Naveen Henakankanamage, and the Rajapaksa brothers.
Current Outfit
Led by experienced and nippy half-back Venuka Wickramasuriya, who is ably assisted by his deputy Seneshka Liyanagunawardana, this Thomian unit is brimming with talent and versatility. With many players retained from last season, where they peaked with a superb semi-final finish—losing 25-20 to Isipathana in extra time—the team looks poised for a strong campaign.
Players to Watch
This Thomian outfit, well-gelled and building momentum, will be a thrilling team to watch. They feature big ball carriers and technically sound utility backs, equipped with the armoury to last the full season.
Key players include Mckyle Karunaratne, Mayanka Dias, Seneshka Liyanagunawardana, and Udan Bulathsinhalage, all of whom have delivered strong performances during the build-up to the season. The squad also features standout talents from last year’s All-Island U-16 Championship-winning team.
Coaching Unit
The “Pathana trio”—Anuranga Walpola (Head Coach), Krishan Wettasinghe (Backs Coach), and Omalka Gunaratne (Assistant Forwards Coach)—bring a fiery and aggressive style of play to the Thomian camp. Kicking sensation Dev Anandh from the hill country joins as Kicking Coach and is expected to be a valuable asset. Multi-sport personality Sachitha Jayatilake (U18 Coach) adds a blend of Thomian brilliance to the support staff.
The team’s support unit includes Hisham Hameed (Performance Analyst), Dr. K.D. Devapriya (Team Doctor), Chanaka Sanjeewa (Physiotherapist), and Viranjaya Silva (Trainer).
Expectations for the Season
The sky is the limit for this gritty and determined Thomian side, who have proven their capabilities over the past couple of seasons. Their admirable knockout run last year signalled a team on the rise. Alongside pre-season favourites Isipathana, they are one of the biggest threats in the group. A keen contest between these two powerhouses may ultimately determine the fate of the league.
Full Squad
Forwards: Dinel Perera, Chasin De Silva, Vishwa Ariyawansa, Shaveen Goonaratne, Senesh Mihiranga, Jehan Wanigasooriya, Panduka Jayasena, A. Imran, Jeison Gnanadass, Rometh Wijesinghe, Tieshya Aluwihare, Kavith Samarasinghe, Dhruv Perera, Zayan Hameed, Mohamed Ibrahim, Rehaan Jayaweera, Daniyar Singh, Shalyn Wanigasooriya, Mckyle Karunaratne, Eyan Pereira, Sithprill Perera.
Backs: Akith Cooray, Venuka Wickramasuriya (C), Avishka Perera, Chanuth Eheliyagoda, Mayanka Dias, Jovin Albert, Daren George, Archer Mendis, Lahan Aknila, Seneshka Liyanagunawardana, Binodhra Adish, Zaydaan Akbar, Dhevin Seneviratne, Rajeev Shanker, Joel Cameron, Udan Bulathsinhalage.
Fixtures – 1st Round
- 7th June – Kingswood College – Big Club Grounds
- 14th June – Zahira College – Big Club Grounds
- 21st June – Mahanama College – Air Force Grounds
- 27th June – Dharmaraja College – Away
- 5th July – Isipathana College – Big Club Grounds
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