With the exit of the head coach Nilufer Ibrahim, Police SC has reappointed their former coach Chandralal Samarakoon as the head coach for the upcoming inter-club season. Chandralal, who is widely known by his nickname of “Nilame”, will be supported by an efficient and energetic unit who are products of Police SC itself.
Chandralal Samarakoon learnt the ABCs of rugby as a schoolchild when he was residing in Police Quarters just by watching the training sessions of Police SC. Chandralal and his brother Kumara Samarakoon had a passion for the game and started playing rugby with the police players. In this way the duo developed as professional rugby players, and Chandralal managed to break into the Police SC 1st XV side in 1986. From his debut game, the nippy half-back player was a regular member of the club. Those were the golden era of Police SC, and Chandralal immensely contributed to many league titles and Clifford Cups as an unsung hero of the side. After a career which ran over 15 years, Chandralal decided to hang up his boots in 2001.
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Then this fine talent transitioned seamlessly into the rugby coaching field. During his coaching journey, he mainly engaged in shaping up the talents of the cops to the next level. As a long-standing rugby coach with Police SC, Chandralal had produced ample players for the national side. Further, he enjoyed some successful coaching stints with Ananda College and Prince of Wales College.
In addition to Chandralal, the former Police SC forward Udara Sooriyapperuma will be the Assistant Coach of the club, and forwards of the cops will be trained under his guidance. This versatile 2nd-row forward, who occasionally played as a flanker, is a fine product of Ananda College. Apart from him, former Police SC and Nalanda College three-quarter player Jeewan Amaradasa has been appointed as the assistant coach who is taking care of the three-quarters. Both of the assistant coaches were loyal players of Police SC who have committed and rendered their maximum service to escalate their club.
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During this season, the cops will be led by their long-standing No. 08 player, Shanaka Harishchandra, who occasionally plays as a flanker and a hooker. His No. 08 breaks were instrumental during last season, and they have triggered numerous scoring opportunities. Further, the blistering wing three-quarter Sujan Kodithuwakku has been appointed as the vice captain of the side, and he will be in charge of the back division. Both the captain and vice captain developed under the guidance of the head coach Chandralal for a long period, and they are proud products of Prince of Wales College.
With the return of their loyal and talented head coach, this young Police SC outfit will be looking for a better result in this season, despite losing some key players from last year.
Police Sports Club – Captains and officials for 2025/2026 Club Rugby Season
Head Coach – Chandralal Samarakoon Nilame
Assistant Coach (Forwards) – Udara Sooriyapperuma
Assistant Coach (Backs) – Jeewan Amaradasa
Trainer (Strength & Conditioning) – Ransilu Jayathileke
Assistant Trainer – Azmi Thassim
Over-all Manager – Somiruwan Samarakoon
Team Manager – Chamika Ranasinghe
Team Captain – Shanaka Harishchandra
Vice Captain – Sujan Kodothuwakku
