Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy Rugby Team – Dialog Schools Rugby League 2025
History
Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College is one of the oldest educational institutions in Kandy. It was originally established in 1879 as St. Paul’s College, functioning as a junior school branch of Trinity College, Kandy. In 1987, it was renamed St. Paul’s English School, and in 1991, it officially became Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College.
Thanks to its early affiliation with Trinity College, Sumangala has a rich rugby tradition dating back several decades. Records suggest the existence of a Sumangala First XV rugby side as far back as the 1970s. The school was an active competitor in Division B during the 1980s and 1990s.
>>Adithya Rathnayake to command Sumangala Rugby in 2025<<
Wariyapola Sri Sumangala made significant progress in rugby and achieved promotion to the top-tier league in 1997. Their first game in the top division was played in 1998 under the captaincy of Sidath Chandratne, who later represented CR & FC. Over the years, the school has produced several notable players, including the Silva brothers—Upul Silva (Ex-Army SC and Sri Lanka fullback) and Ajith Silva (Ex-Army SC, CR & FC, and Sri Lanka fullback)—as well as Lal Wijesiri (Ex-Navy, Kandy SC, and Sri Lanka wing three-quarter) and Nimal Wijesiri (Ex-Army SC and Sri Lanka player).
Although the college regularly challenged the rugby heavyweights, it eventually lost its top-division status and was relegated to the C Division in 2014. In response, a group of passionate past players formed the “SUMMA Rugby Integration” initiative to revive the school’s rugby fortunes. Their efforts bore fruit when the school returned to Division 1, Group B in 2018, and later to the top division in 2023.
Sumangala competed in the elite division during the 2024 season. Though they endured a winless campaign, they managed to post double-digit scores against every opponent except Isipathana College, showcasing their fighting spirit:
- vs Trinity: 49–10
- vs St. Thomas’: 57–18
- vs D.S. Senanayake: 76–10
- vs Dharmaraja: 32–12
- vs Science: 41–12
- vs St. Anthony’s: 25–17
- vs Isipathana: 50–03
Current Outfit
The current team will be captained by center three-quarter Adithya Ratnayake, and faces a formidable challenge from well-established schools in the league. However, with a balanced mix of experience and fresh talent, the Sumangala outfit is poised to put up a strong fight.
The squad features 19 players from the previous First XV pool, including 8 final-year players. This experience and continuity provide a solid foundation for the team to gel as a unit capable of challenging even the strongest opponents.
Players to Watch Out For
Adithya Ratnayake (Captain): A powerful and pacey center three-quarter with experience and leadership skills. Served as vice captain last year.
Ifky Hameed (Co-vice captain): A tall and agile second-row forward who excels in lineouts and breakdowns.
Yasiru Thiwanka (Co-vice captain): The No. 8 is known for his fierce tackles and physical presence, inspiring teammates with his tenacity.
Shashika Bandara: A versatile utility back who can operate at scrum-half, fly-half, or center.
Pasindu Samarakoon (Fullback), Achila Saminda (Second row), Ramika Thilakaratne (Center), and a fleet of blistering wingers round out a talented group of playmakers capable of turning games on their head.
Coaching Staff
Malith Hettiarachchi (Head Coach & Forwards Coach): A former Sri Lanka, Kandy SC, and CR & FC player, and a past Kingswood College captain who led his team to a President’s Trophy in 2001. He brings a wealth of top-level playing and coaching experience.
Asanka Perera (Backs Coach): Tasked with enhancing the agility, speed, and coordination of the backline.
Anush Kolonne (Assistant Coach): A seasoned coach and former Vidyartha College player, known for his long and successful stint with the “Tigers.”
Expectations for the Season
Expectations are high from the rugby fraternity of Sri Sumangala College. The primary goal is to maintain their place in the top division while making life difficult for more established opponents. With a talented and cohesive squad, Sumangala aims to be this season’s dark horse.
The school has laid out a long-term strategic plan focused on skill development and player growth, aspiring to reach title-contending status in the near future. Fans remain optimistic and excited to witness some thrilling upsets from the boys from Asgiriya in the 2025 season.
Full Squad
Forwards : Yasiru Thiwanka, (Vice Captain – No 08), Ifky Hameed (Vice Captain – 2nd raw), K.G.Rashmika Dilshan (Prop), Tharusha Theekshana (Hooker/Prop), Anuhas Jayasooriya (Hooker), Resandu Sahas (Hooker), T. Dilshan (Flanker), Achila Saminda (2nd raw), O. Induwara (2nd raw), Maleesha Dewshan (Wing), Mohomed Akram (Prop), Lakwidu Denuwan (Flanker/ 2nd raw), Shiwantha Madushan (Flanker), Thejaka Deshan (2nd raw), Anjana Nirmal (Flanker), Muditha Gimhana (Flanker), Lakshitha Abhilash (Flanker)
Backs : Adithya Rathnayeka Captain (Centre/ Wing), Sashika Bandara (Scrum-half /Fly-half/ Centre), Y.L. Masith Induwara (Scrum-half), Ramitha Kavinda (Centre), Pasindu Bhanuka (Wing), Shaluka Abhishek (Wing), Pasindu Samareakoon (Fly-half/Full-back), Pabasara Nirmal (Wing), Naveeja Aknath (Fly-half), Niwton San Santhaka (Wing), Akila Kumara (Wing), Pasindu Gimhana (Wing), Praveen Udagedara (Wing), Chamod Nirmal (Full-back/ Fly-half).
The Summa Brigade will travel to Colombo just once this year, as they will play the rest of the 4 games in the hill capital, Kandy, with 3 of them taking place at their home venue, Bogambara Stadium.
Can Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College become a giant killer by shattering the hopes of a title contender? Only time will tell!
Sumangala College Rugby Fixtures – 1st Round
- vs Trinity College – 06th June at TCK Grounds, Pallekele
- vs Royal College – 14th June at Bogambara
- vs Vidyartha College – 20th June at Bogambara
- vs Thurstan College – 27th June at Bogambara
- vs St. Joseph’s College – 05th July at CR & FC
Sumangala College – Rest of the Rugby Staff
- Manusha Kavinda -Team Manager
- Mohan De Alwis – 1st XV trainer /Physio/ Masseur
- Master in Charge – Srinath De Silva
