Who We Are..

The story of rugby at Siri Piyarathana College is not just about victories or defeats on the field it is a narrative of perseverance, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of a small school that dared to dream big. Rugby at Siri Piyarathana was officially introduced in 2002, during a time when resources were limited and challenges were abundant. Starting a sport as demanding as rugby under such conditions was not an easy decision, yet the passion of a few visionaries ensured that the game took root within the school.

The early years were characterized by continuous struggles. Limited financial support, lack of proper training facilities, and minimal exposure to competitive rugby often stood as barriers in the path of the young team. However, the players, coaches, and supporters remained committed to building a strong rugby culture at the college. Their determination paid off in 2007, when under the inspirational leadership of Anushka Nimantha, the Siri Piyarathana College team secured the  Division 2 League Championship. This moment remains one of the most remarkable milestones in the school’s sporting history, as it proved that even amidst hardships, triumph was possible through discipline and teamwork.

The journey forward was not without setbacks. In the years that followed, Siri piyarathana rugby faced both internal and external challenges. Facilities remained scarce, injuries and player dropouts posed significant hurdles, and the dream of consistently climbing to the top divisions often seemed out of reach. Yet, despite not securing another league title for several years, the college proudly collected championships and honors across other age groups, continuously proving the depth of talent within its young athletes.

A new chapter of glory was written in 2017. Under the leadership of Kavinda Gihan, the school’s senior team achieved the  Division 2 League Unbeaten Championship. This achievement was particularly special because it showcased not only the skill of the players but also the unity and resilience of the entire rugby community within the school. Unfortunately, despite this unbeaten record, the dream of advancing to the prestigious Division 1 remained unfulfilled that year.

However, true champions are defined not only by their victories but also by how they respond to setbacks. The following year, in 2018, Siri piyarathana College rugby made a strong comeback. Led by Imesh Newamal, the team overcame severe limitations financial constraints, minimal training resources, and lack of proper facilities to once again secure the  Division 2 Championship. This time, their triumph was rewarded with promotion to the  Division 1, marking one of the proudest moments in the school’s rugby history. For a relatively small school, achieving such a position in the country’s most competitive school rugby platform was a testament to the passion, determination, and raw talent that defined the Siripiyarathana rugby culture.

The years that followed were not without struggles. The team faced significant setbacks, including limited facilities, financial burdens, and even the loss of promising players who left for better opportunities elsewhere. Such obstacles would have disheartened many institutions, but at Siripiyarathana, they served only to reinforce the resilience of its rugby tradition. Coaches, players, and the school administration worked tirelessly to ensure that rugby did not fade away, but instead continued to grow as the flagship sport of the school.

This perseverance bore fruit in 2024, when the team once again rose to prominence. Competing in the Division 1 Segment C Championship, the team emerged as runners up, a remarkable achievement given the limited resources they had to rely on. This success secured their promotion to the Division 1 Segment B, solidifying their position as a school that had earned the respect of the rugby community in Sri Lanka.

Today, rugby is not only the most prominent sport at Siri Piyarathana College but also a defining part of the school’s identity. It has become the pride of the institution, inspiring younger students to dream of representing their alma mater on the rugby field. Beyond the victories and titles, rugby has instilled discipline, sportsmanship, and leadership in generations of students.

Adding to this sense of pride is the unique distinction of being the first and only school rugby team in the Homagama education zone. This status has further elevated the importance of the sport within the school community and highlighted Siri Piyarathana College as a pioneer and trailblazer in promoting rugby in the region.

The story of rugby at Siri Piyarathana is therefore one of relentless determination and growth against all odds. From the humble beginnings in 2002, through the celebrated triumphs of 2007, 2017, and 2018, and the resilience shown in 2024, the team has demonstrated that success is not measured only by trophies but by the courage to continue striving despite challenges.

As the school now looks toward the future, the rugby program is positioned not only as a platform for sporting excellence but also as a foundation for character building and life-long values. With the support of sponsors, alumni, and well wishers, Siri Piyarathana College rugby can continue to reach new heights, providing young athletes with the opportunities and resources they need to shine both on and off the field.

In essence, the journey of Siri Piyarathana rugby over the past two decades reflects a legacy of resilience, a passion for the game, and an unbreakable spirit that continues to inspire. It is more than just a sport within the school it is a symbol of pride, unity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Started

2002

First 15s Victory

vs CWW Kannangara College

Currant Division

Division 1 Segment B

Association

SLSRFA 

(Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association)

Head Coach

Gogerley Abeyrathne

Captains

2002 - 2003 Thilanka Jayawickrama

2003 - 2004

2004 - 2005

2005 - 2006

2006 - 2007 Anushka Nimantha

2007 - 2008

2008 - 2009

2009 - 2010

2010 - 2011

2011 - 2012

2012 - 2013 Nirmal Wickramasinghe

2013 - 2014 Vikash Vimadawa

2014 - 2015 Akila Sanju

Dilshan Maduwantha

2015 - 2016 Dinindu Maduwantha

2016 - 2017 Kavinda Gihan

2017 - 2018 Imesh Newamal

2018 - 2019 Maduranga Weerakoon

2019 - 2020 Thivanka Dinushan

2021 - 2022 Kavinda Nirmal

2022 - 2023 Hirusha Hasanjith

2023 - 2024 Kavindu Mihiranga

2024 - 2025 Ishan Uthpala