Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) signalled a bold new era for the national 15-a-side team, officially appointing Lasindu Karunathilake as Captain and Tharindu Chathuranga as Vice-Captain of the Tuskers. (16th April 2026)
The decision comes as Sri Lanka gears up for a demanding 2026 international calendar, which includes two Tests against the visiting New Zealand U-85kg team and the Asia Rugby Championship.
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Lasindu Karunathilake is no stranger to leadership, having led Science College to their historic President’s Trophy triumph in 2015. Since moving to Longdon Place, he has been a stalwart in the third row and was instrumental in their 2023/24 league victory.
In the recently concluded club rugby season, he led CR&FC to a historic double crown, winning both the Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League and the Clifford Cup. They also clinched the Overall Local Championship at the SLR Sevens Series.
Tharindu Chathuranga represented Kingswood College as a schoolboy and has been a regular fixture for Kandy Sports Club since then. Known for his work rate and immaculate technique at the breakdown, he was rewarded for his loyalty with the captaincy of his hometown club for the 2025/26 season.
Under his leadership, Kandy Sports Club finished runners-up in the Maliban Inter-Club Rugby League and reached the semi-finals of the Clifford Cup.
Both Karunathilake and Chathuranga are experienced and respected figures in the national setup, having been part of the group since 2024, when they helped Sri Lanka regain its place among Asia’s best by clinching the Asia Rugby Division 1 Championship.
The new leadership will face their first test when the Tuskers take the field for their opening game against the New Zealand U-85kg team at Racecourse next Saturday (25th April).
 signalled a bold new era for the national 15-a-side team, officially appointing Lasindu Karunathilake as Captain and Tharindu Chathuranga as Vice-Captain of the Tuskers. (16th April 2026)){kind=link}