Farewell, Sajith Mallikarachchi

It was saddening to hear of the passing of our former Isipathana College rugby player, Kandy Sports Club and National Sevens and Fifteens Captain Sajith Mallikarachchi.

Mallikarachchi started his rugby with Isipathana College in 1992 at under 13 level to under 19 1st XV in 1996/1997 and later played for Petersons Sports Club in 1997 and then CR&FC in 1998, Kandy Sports Club from 1999 to 2006 and finally CH&FC from 2007 to 2009 and Sri Lanka until 2007. He was renowned for his bruising tackles and powerful running

Sajith captained Kandy Sports Club in 2003 and 2006 and turned out for the Sri Lanka team from 1997 to 2007. He captained the Sri Lanka National Sevens team at the Hongkong Sevens and the Fifteens team at the rugby Asiad.

He was also a national selector for over five years and was the Assistant Coach of Isipathana College 1st XV in 2010. He died on Sunday at the age of 37. He leaves behind his wife, his mother and the two outstanding rugby playing brothers Bandula Mallikarachchi and Lasantha Mallikarachchi.

The cortege is at No. 46, 8th Lane, Pamunuwa, Maharagama and the funeral will take place on 20 April.

Hassan Sinhawansa