Former Isipathana College, CR & FC, Kandy SC, and National XV player Anuranga Walpola has been appointed Head Coach of Ananda College Rugby for the next Inter-Schools rugby season.
Walpola is recognized as an icon in Sri Lankan rugby. He began his playing career at Isipathana College, the cradle of many greats in the local rugby arena. Walpola went on to captain the Green Shirts in his final year in 2002. His remarkable performances for Isipathana College earned him a place in the Sri Lankan youth side, where he competed in the Junior Rugby Asiad in Japan and Sri Lanka’s first-ever Youth World Cup held in Chile (2001).
After leaving school, Walpola received a call-up from the prestigious CR & FC club in 2003. Following three consecutive seasons, he moved to represent the hill-country giants, Kandy Sports Club. Walpola enjoyed a highly successful six-year tenure with Kandy SC, during which he won five league titles before hanging up his boots in 2012. Throughout his club career, he was a regular member of the national outfit and served the nation with great dedication.
Walpola began his coaching journey as a junior coach at D.S. Senanayake College, later extending his expertise to Isipathana College and St. Joseph’s College in the same capacity. In 2022, he made a breakthrough move as Head Coach of Zahira College. Over the last couple of seasons, Walpola did outstanding work in sharpening the skills of the Thomians and elevating the St. Thomas’ College rugby team to reach greater heights.
Despite his busy coaching schedule with several schools, Walpola also made his mark in the club rugby arena. Under his guidance, the forwards of Army SC showed remarkable improvement when competing against the heavyweights of club rugby.
Although Ananda College failed to be a title contender, they performed commendably in the recent school league after being promoted from the lower tier. As their new Head Coach, Anuranga Walpola brings extensive experience both as a player and coach, with a deep understanding of what it takes to prepare players to win at the elite level of school rugby. He is a well-experienced coach who knows how to bring out the best in his players and build a strong team identity and culture that will suit the Anandians.
In the upcoming season, the Anandians will surely look to reclaim their lost glory, and the vision, leadership, and mentoring ability of Anuranga Walpola will undoubtedly play a decisive role in shaping their success.
Ananda College Coaching Staff
Anuranga Walpola – Head Coach
Prasath Hettiarachchi – Assistant Coach (Forwards)
Dev Anand – Assistant Coach (Backs)
Dinesh Kumara – Backs Coach and Trainer (Strength and Conditioning
