National XV-a-side pool named for Malaysia and NZ under-85 kg encounters

By Shamseer Jaleel 

Sri Lanka Rugby has named a 65-member national pool, marking a significant step in building depth and competitiveness ahead of a demanding 2026 international season. The squad reflects a healthy blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent, with selectors headed by Kapila Knowlton opting to test combinations and versatility across all key positions.

The immediate focus for this enlarged pool will be the Malaysian assignment, where Sri Lanka will engage in two matches against the Junior Tigers. Scheduled to be worked off at Longdon Place on 12 and 15 April, these fixtures will provide vital match exposure and a first opportunity for players to stake their claim at international level.

More importantly, this Malaysian tour will serve as a critical yardstick for selection ahead of the New Zealand Under-85 kg tour. With two Tests lined up, one in Colombo and the other in Kandy, selectors will closely monitor performances, fitness levels, and adaptability to identify players capable of handling the fast-paced and structured style associated with New Zealand teams.

The importance of these matches cannot be overstated, as they will shape the core squad for the New Zealand series. Players will be expected to demonstrate not only individual brilliance but also cohesion, discipline, and tactical awareness under pressure.

Beyond the New Zealand challenge, Sri Lanka’s ambitions extend to the Asia Rugby Top 4 competition, where they will face formidable opponents in Hong Kong, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates. These high-intensity fixtures will demand peak performance, making early preparation through this broader pool essential.

The selection heavily features players from leading domestic clubs such as CR and FC, Havelock SC, Kandy SC, and CH and FC, underlining the competitive standard of the local league. Established club combinations are expected to transition smoothly into the national setup, providing a strong foundation for international success.

All selected players will undergo medical testing on 6 April before training commences at CR and FC ground under the watchful guidance of Head Coach Dushanth Lewke. Leadership remains a key focus, with Lasindu Karunathilake (CR) and Tharindu Chathuranga (KSC) emerging as frontrunners to captain the side.

CR and FC: Charith Silva, Wenura Kodagoda, Naveen Marasinghe, Senal Adikaram, Achitha Radishan, Omalka Gunarathne, Abdul Ahamed, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Harsha Maduranga, Viduna Amameth, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Manilka Ruberu, Dimuth Perera, Pasindu Bandara, Chamod Muthunayaka, Gamunu Chethiya, Musheed Doray

Havelock SC: Abdullah Faiz, Nisal Silva, Ajmeer Fajudeen, Janidu Fernando, Udesh Madusanka, Chathura Dilshan, Mohamed Rifan, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Dilshara Kodagoda, Jayathu Rajarathne, Samuel Maduwantha

Kandy SC: Milan Weerasinghe, Malith Wijesundara, Charles Praveen, Kenula Hettiarachchi, Thilina Bandara, Chathura Soyza, Tharindu Chathuranga, Nalan Premanath, Dahan Wickramarachchi, Shaahid Zumri, Diluksha Dange, Akash Madusanka, Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekenayake, Gayan Perera, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Yuwan Pathirana

CH and FC: Deshan Vimukthi, Hansitha De Silva, Pulasthi Disanayaka, Raveen de Silva, Lahiru Thilakarathne, Devinda Rathnayaka, Naham Hemachandra, Maliksha Perera, Janidu Dilshan, Janith Chandimal

Air Force SC: Shamika Kawshan, Gayantha Iddamalgoda, Pramod Pathmashantha

Army SC: Ijaaz Ahamed, Sudaraka Dikkumbura

Police SC: Vihanga Saveen

Navy SC: Denuwan Wickramaarachchi, Isuru Perera, Isuru Kongahawaththa

Sri Lions SC: Nizran Mohomed

Tour schedule

12 and 15 April (4 p.m.): Sri Lanka vs Malaysia at Longdon Place

25 April (under lights at 6 p.m.): Sri Lanka vs NZ Under-85 kg at Racecourse Stadium

3 May (4 p.m.): Sri Lanka vs NZ Under-85 kg at Nittawela Stadium