Back in the big leagues after nearly two decades of waiting, it’s now Anandas turn to rewrite history, and show that they have what it takes to compete among the powerhouses of Srilankan Schools Rugby.
- Last-Gasp Heroics Hand Isipathana Back-to-Back President’s Trophy Titles
- Ananda College outclass St. Benedict’s to lift Premier Trophy
- D.S. Senanayake College Rugby: A Rising Force Ready to Roar in 2025
- Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 to begin on 6th June
- Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025 set to send Sri Lanka into a Rugby craze yet again
Ananda College Set for Top Division Return
Ananda College will be making a return to the top division of Sri Lankan schools rugby after a seventeen-year hiatus, having last competed in 2008. They earned their promotion after finishing in the top two of Division 1 Segment B in the Dialog Schools Rugby League 2024 and were promoted alongside fellow newcomers, Mahanama College. They also finished runners-up in last year’s Premier Trophy, falling agonisingly short against Mahanama College by just three points in the final. However, they did manage to clinch some silverware by emerging Bowl Champions at the Dialog Schools Rugby Sevens last season.
Current Outfit
This current outfit already has silverware under their belt, having emerged champions of the Premier Trophy at the recently concluded Dialog Schools Rugby Knockouts 2025. They looked a class above their competition, thumping Richmond College 62-07 in the quarterfinal, before comfortably defeating Lumbini College 36-10 in the semifinal. This set up a tantalising final against a stubborn Benedictine outfit, where the Maroons were able to see off the Bens with a relatively comfortable 25-10 victory.
With a swift and incisive backline and a heavy pack of forwards to match, they’ll be eager to carry forward the same momentum into the Dialog Schools Rugby League and perhaps cause a few upsets against the big boys.
Players to Watch Out For
Ananda College possesses a rapid backline, led by Rehan Attanayake and Deneth Chamuditha, both of whom are capable of playing anywhere in the backline. They also share kicking duties, and with Chamuditha being left-footed and Attanayake being right-footed, it gives the Maroons a unique tactical advantage in attack—one that will always keep their opponents on edge. The duo have already hit the ground running this season, orchestrating Ananda’s winning run in the Premier Trophy, with the Player of the Match award being shared by them in all three of Ananda’s games so far.
The skipper, Sadew Dassanayake, has also proven to be a menace in both broken and set plays from the front row. His leadership will be crucial if Ananda are to punch above their weight in this league campaign.
The Maroons also boast a mobile set of third-row forwards. They have been clinical with their line-out work so far, with No. 8 Seymal Wimalasuriya also taking on throwing duties.
Coaching Staff
The Anandians will be coached by Anika Chathuranga—no stranger to pulling off the extraordinary. A product of Science College, he was the mastermind behind their victorious President’s Trophy run back in 2015.
He will be assisted by the experienced Nalin Kumara, who has extended his stay with Ananda for another year.
Expectations for This Season
The goal for Ananda College is simple: they’re here to prove a point. They’re here to show that they belong. The team will take things one game at a time and aim to be a tough opponent to every team in their group. With silverware up for grabs regardless of their group-stage finish, they’ll surely have their eyes on the Plate Championship or Bowl Championship in the second round.
They’ll open their season away against defending champions St. Peter’s College—who haven’t lost a league game in over two years.
Ananda will then face Science College and D.S. Senanayake College in Weeks Two and Three—their only home games of the season—and will fancy their chances to get some points on the board.
Their fourth fixture will take them to the Hill Country to face St. Anthony’s College, which, on paper, might be their best chance for first-round points.
They’ll end their first-round fixtures away against the Double Blues, another strong outfit who’ll be gunning for the top spot in Group A.
Despite coming into the season as underdogs, this Anandian outfit certainly has both the determination and skill to be a nuisance to the big boys—so don’t be surprised if they manage to script an upset or two.
Squad
Forwards;
Nehsara Kodithuwakku
Banuka Dilshan
Anjana Kavindu
Deneth Dilshan
Yasith Matheesha
Seymal Wimalasuriya
Janithu Nehimina
Imesh Gamage
Ashira Sendheera
Naviru Perera
K.B. Pramil
Nilana Kuruppu
Vishwajith Manohara
Wethum Kithnula
Thewan Siriwardhena
Vishwa Gunerathna
Sankitha Thewin
Yumeth Thewala
Tanesha Akashiwarra
Sadew Dassanayaka (c)
Backs;
Yasidu Sankalpa
Senuth Randinu
Vimath Henuka
Senura Randimal
Nisal Chathura
Chathuka Lakshan
Thenula Wijewardhane
Pulmeth Megasooriya
Nethula Wijewardhane
Irusha Kaushal
Jeshan Dilhara
Anuhas Sudampathi
Deneth Chamuditha (VC)
Rehan Attanayake
