New leadership takes helm at Mercantile Rugby Football Association

Thursday, 4 September 2025 02:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Mercantile Rugby Football Association (MRFA) has announced its new leadership team for the 2025/26 season, with experienced rugby player and banker Mindika Jayasinghe assuming the role of President.

Jayasinghe, who currently serves as a Relationship Manager for SME at Sampath Bank, brings a wealth of rugby experience to the position. His playing career began at Ananda College, where he captained the 1st XV in 2003 and led the Under-17 team to Premier Trophy victory in 2002, defeating Isipathana.

His talent earned him national recognition, representing Sri Lanka at the Under-16 Asian Championship in Chinese Taipei, where the SL U16 team won the Plate Championship.

At club level, Jayasinghe played for CH & FC, Old Zahirians and Havelocks before retiring in 2011.

He also had a distinguished Mercantile rugby career, representing and captaining Sampath Bank from 2005 to 2019.

Joining him in the new leadership structure is Clifford Surendran, who takes on the role of Honorary Secretary.

Clifford serves as Director – Sri Lanka for The Executive Centre, establishing himself as a well-seasoned and reputed business leader in the corporate real estate sector. He is well recognised for his work in sports media and corporate event presenting over the last 15 years.

A Trinity College alumnus, Clifford represented his school in basketball, athletics, and junior rugby, later captaining both Kandy District and Central Province basketball teams in the late 1990s.

His commitment to sports continued in recent years, serving as National Team Manager for both men’s and women’s teams from 2021 to 2022. His proudest moment came in 2022, when the Women’s National Team clinched the South Asian Championship. He also served as Treasurer of Masters Basketball Sri Lanka, showcasing his enduring pledge to sport.

MRFA committee for 2025/26:

Patron: Sumal Perera (Access Group); Vice Presidents: Nishantha Wickramage (3DH Engineering), Achala Ramanayake (Prima Group); Honorary Treasurer: Nalaka Wijenayake (Cargills Bank PLC); Immediate Past President Dinushka Jayatissa (Valvoline Global) will provide continuity and guidance to the new administration.

The new leadership team is expected to build on MRFA’s strong foundation while exploring fresh opportunities for mercantile rugby development in Sri Lanka.