Martis returns to where his remarkable coaching journey began — at his alma mater — having first taken charge of the Isipathana junior sides back in 1985. His homecoming marks a significant moment for Isipathana as they look to rebuild and mount a strong challenge in the 2026 schools’ rugby season.
Sanath Martis, who has been actively involved in coaching for over two decades, is a proud product of Isipathana College, where he donned the green jersey in 1983 and 1984. As a schoolboy, he represented Sri Lanka U20 in 1985 before making his senior club debut for CR & FC the same year.
He began his coaching career with Isipathana’s junior teams in 1985 and was promoted to head coach of the 1st XV in 1987. Over the years, Martis has guided several leading schools, including Royal College, St. Anne’s College Kurunegala, Wesley College, and St. Peter’s College, earning a reputation as a tactician and mentor with a proven winning record.
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His most successful stint came with St. Peter’s College, where he transformed the Bambalapitiya outfit into a powerhouse, securing three league titles (2006, 2007, and 2010). He later moved to Royal College in 2014, leading the Royalists to two league championships within four seasons — a testament to his consistency and tactical acumen.
Returning to St. Peter’s College in 2018, Martis continued his golden run, guiding the Peterites to back-to-back President’s Trophy titles in 2018 and 2019, and later achieving unbeaten league triumphs in 2023 and 2024, along with another President’s Trophy in 2023 and the All-Island Sevens Championship in 2024.
Despite winning the President’s Trophy Knockout Title, Isipathana College endured a challenging league campaign this year, finishing last in the Cup segment. With Martis now back at the helm, hopes are high that his vast experience, strategic brilliance, and deep-rooted passion for his alma mater will reignite the Green Machine’s pursuit of championship success in 2026.
