Our boys are a disciplined and hard working lot: Lasantha Wijesuriya

Kandy Sports Club won the League for a record sixth consecutive year this, and Daily FT caught up with the Rugby Chairman of Kandy Sports Club, former Antonian Lasantha Wijesuriya, for a brief interview.

Kandy’s title win was brought forward after Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) had decided to cancel the Super Round after clubs voiced concerns about continuing in the midst of the coronavirus. In any case, as Kandy had won all 14 of their encounters their lead was unassailable even if the Super Round had taken place. Kandy were eyeing the double, but the postponement of the Clifford Cup scuppered those plans.

“It is a great pity that the Clifford Cup knock out rugby tournament is very unlikely to be played now, which will prevent us from winning the triple this year around, after we already accounted for the Club Sevens,” stated Wijesuriya

This year the Kandy outfit was led by Nigel Ratwatte, the former Trinitian, as they went on to not only wIn the league but also remain unbeaten. This was also incidentally their 21st league title since their first in 1994 under Indrajith Bandaranayake.

“We are extremely pleased that Kandy SC, which has been brilliantly led by Nigel Ratwatte and coached by Fazil Marija and Viraj Prasanna, has once again gone on to win the league encounter - now for a sixth straight year,” stated Wijesuriya.

While Kandy won all 14 games, second placed Police SC lost four and drew one. One of the key reasons behind this success is the structure of the club and its sponsors.

“I would like to thank our Platinum sponsors Cargills who, together with Mobitel, have continued to assist our players at this time of need. Special mention must be made also to Ranjit Page, who is the Deputy Chairman of Cargills Group, who has been very helpful for our players in many ways,” added Wijesuriya.

“Our success can be attributed to the dedication and discipline of our players, the excellent leadership of our captain Nigel Ratwatte, the knowledgeable and hard working coaching staff Fazil Marija and Viraj Prasanna, trainer Tharaka, and Manager Kapila. We also have to thank the President and the committee of Kandy SC who were always behind us, supporting us in many ways. Malik Samarawickrama was also always their to support us financially, plus guide us with his expert knowledge in rugby.”

The other reason for Kandy’s success is their die-hard supporters, who turn up in numbers wherever the game is played. And despite being the only outstation club in the league, Kandy matches are packed to capacity, even when games are played in Colombo.

“Our die hard supporters who are there in numbers even if the game is played in Colombo or Kandy which was a major boost for us, where no other teams in the league got as much support as us.”

But this has its downside with Kandy’s away games requiring the hill club and its fan base travel to Colombo frequently.

“Kandy has got to travel to Colombo no less than seven times while the other Colombo teams need to only visit the Hills once each,” explained Wijesuriya. “This is a major burden, not only on our sponsors, but our players as well. In one season we travelled down to Colombo over five consecutive weekends - which certainly is a big ask from the players.”

Finally, speaking on the current state of the country, which has been greatly impacted by the coronavirus, Wijesuriya spoke of the need to adhere to strict safety and hygiene guidelines.

 “However at this moment we should do everything possible to prevent the deadly virus from spreading and all necessary steps should be taken to eradicate COVID-19. We have advised our players to stay safe and stay indoors at all times.” (SJ)