Sri Lanka’s national rugby team has emerged victorious in the highly competitive Asian Division One Tournament, securing resounding victories over formidable opponents India and Kazakhstan. At the heart of this triumph lies the strategic brilliance and persistence commitment of Head Coach Sanath Martis whose systematic planning and tireless efforts paved the way for success on the field.
The journey to glory began with a rigorous selection process, as Martis and his coaching staff carefully handpicked players from clubs across the country to form a formidable national pool. From an initial pool of 61 talented individuals, the squad was diligently whittled down through comprehensive trials and assessments conducted under the auspices of the Sports Ministry.
“After thorough discussions with the selection committee and coaching staff, we selected the final 40 players,” Martis explained. “Subsequent trials further reduced the squad to a final contingent of 26, carefully chosen in accordance with World Rugby guidelines.”
Indeed, adherence to international standards was paramount, as Martis emphasized the importance of ensuring adequate representation of frontline forwards within the squad. The final selection process ended in the formation of a integrated unit, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead on the field of play.
But success did not come without sacrifice. Martis and his dedicated team of coaches, including assistant coaches Dushanth Lewke and Nilfer Ibrahim, along with Manager Commodore Sanath Pitigala and his support staff, devoted countless hours to sharpening the team’s skills and encouraging a strong sense of bonding.
“We sacrificed our time, our knowledge, and even time with our families to give our all to this endeavour,” Martis affirmed. “It was a collective effort, with everyone involved fully committed to the cause.”
Financial support from Sports and Youth Affairs, Tourism and Lands Minister Harin Fernando and generous sponsorship from companies such as Nippon Paint, First Capital and Asia Rugby provided crucial backing, ensuring that the team had the resources necessary to compete at the highest level.
Yet, beyond financial assistance, Martis emphasized the importance of playing for national pride above all else. “We delivered for our country, not for the money,” Marits declared. “Our goal was to inspire and entertain our fellow Sri Lankans, instilling confidence in the future of Sri Lankan rugby.”
Looking ahead, Marits outlined the importance of nurturing young talent and dispelling outdated notions of foreign superiority within the rugby community. He stressed the need for rigorous preparation to compete at the Tier ‘A’ level, where teams face formidable opponents from Korea, Malaysia, and UAE.
Previously, even for SLR presidents struggled to find coaches, resorting to hiring foreigners, who couldn’t deliver. However, the tide has turned, with the Rugby Council expressing confidence in homegrown coaching talent.
“Our success is a proof to the talent and dedication of Sri Lankan coaches,” Martis asserted. “It’s time to recognize and invest in our local expertise, empowering our players to compete and excel on the international field.”
Sajeewa Jayakody