The dynamic and gigantic national prop forward Dushmantha Priyadarshana has been appointed as the Captain of the Sri Lions Rugby outfit for the 2025/26 Rugby season. This was declared officially at the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lions Sports Club held last Sunday at the JAT Holdings Office Auditorium Hall in Thalawathugoda.
Dushamantha, who is better known as “Bodhi”, was nicknamed such because he hails from the Bodhiwatta. It is significant to note that he had never seen even a Rugby ball during his school days. Instead, he mastered Football and also displayed his talents in Athletics in short-distance sprinting events. After watching a few Rugby matches, he had a desire to play Rugby. With that ambition, he joined the Peterson Club in 2006, which usually provides a helping hand to amateur players. There he learnt the A’s & B’s of Rugby under the veteran Rugby promoter Shamrath Fernando. Due to his talent and unwavering commitment, he got a ticket to play for Havelock Sports Club as a centre and winger in 2008.
- Tharindu Chathuranga; the prince from Eheliyagoda on the throne of Kandy SC
- Dr. Kelum Sujith at the helm of Sri Lions for yet another year
- Powerhouse Lasindu to Lead CR & FC
- National Tusker Sandesh Jayawickrama tipped to lead Havelock SC
On his rise from zero to hero, Dushmantha’s body weight increased, and he hence moved to the front row as a prop forward. Dushmantha received his maiden national call-up in 2012, and unluckily, he was dropped from the final squad. However, Dushmantha has been a regular member of the national outfit since 2013.
After serving more than a decade for Park Club, he moved to CH & FC, and he recently began representing the new Rugby force of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lions Club, and immensely contributed to the success of the club with his power and vast experience in the field.
Further, the former Antonian Captain, the notable Sri Lankan Rugby player known for his versatility and breakout performances in both 7s and XVs Rugby, Dinuk Amarasinghe, will feature as one of the Vice Captains. Dinuk made his mark on the Sri Lanka Under-18 and Under-20 national teams, including memorable performances in the Asian Schools Rugby Sevens tournaments. Along with his success with the national team, Dinuk made outstanding performances with CR & FC and Havelock Sports Club previously before joining with the Sri Lions.
Further, the second row/flanker Ganidu Lakshan will serve as the other Vice Captain. The ex-Havelock player Ganidu is renowned for his vibrant speed and power combination in attack.
Coaching Staff for 2025/ 26 Rugby season
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Head Coach – Rajive Perera
Assistant Coach – Amila Chathuranga
Further, the following players were adjudged as the winners of the respective awards during the AGM by considering their performances in the recently concluded Club Rugby League and Knockout Tournaments.
Lion (Player) of the Year for 2024/2025 – Nizran Nillar (Flanker)
Best Attacker – Ganidu Lakshan (2nd raw)
Best Defender – Denuwan Lakranda (2nd raw)
People’s Player – Mathir Raban (Backs)
Try of the season – Kaveesha Induranga Winger
Most Improved Player – Anuradha Lakshan Scrum-half
