Sri Lankan Athletic and Rugby Legend Summa Navarathnam passed away in Colombo on the 19th of October 2023.
This profoundly sad news came this (19th October) afternoon in Colombo.
Born in 1925 in Jaffna, the former Royalist Summa Navarathnam was renowned for his blistering speed on the rugby field and the grass turf back in his prime.
Fondly known as ‘Summa’, the then youngster from Royal College dominated the Athletics field and in the 1943 Public Schools’ meet, securing the 200m and 400m events. He was the youngest to win colors in 1940, aged 15 and that record stands to date. He proved to be an exceptional talent and, in 1942/ 43, was handed the captain’s armband for athletics.
He first played 1st XV rugby in 1941 and went on to beat Trinity for the first time with his team. He continued in 1942 and 1943, captaining his school in the 2nd leg, where he scored an intercept try, the winner in that game.
>>Summa Navarathnam – Bolt of Asia in the 40’s
He inspired generations and was loved and admired by many.
Final respect can be paid at AF Raymond’s funeral parlour from 8 a.m. 20th October, prior to a service at 1 p.m. and cremation at 2 p.m. at the Borella Kanatte Old Crematorium.
