The Colombo Hockey and Football Club (CH and FC) will unveil a team that blends youth and experience as they take on Sri Lanka Air Force in the curtain-raiser of the Dialog ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament. The match will kick off at 4 PM today at the Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana.
CH and FC will be led by Sri Lanka centre Janidu Dilshan, whose leadership will be bolstered by a lineup of seasoned campaigners. Key players include Charith Silva, Pulasthi Dassanayake, Sharo Fernando, Nirosh Perera, Janith Laksara, Hashan Maduranga, and Dinesh de Silva, forming a well-rounded and experienced squad. Adding to their firepower are talented youngsters like Damindu Anjula, Dumindra Ratnayake, Ramesh Fernando, and former St. Peter’s College full back Pasindu Bandara, who is set to make his mark in the senior league.
Under the guidance of veteran coach Sanath Martis, known for his proven track record, CH and FC will be aiming to start their season with a strong statement. Martis’ tactical acumen and ability to nurture talent will be key as the team seeks to establish itself as a formidable contender in the league.
The Sri Lanka Air Force team, captained by Rumesh Wasantha, brings its own mix of experience and skill to the field. Supporting him are vice-captains Charaka Werella and Pramod Madusanka, alongside experienced forwards such as Manuka Perera, Niroshan Rajanayake, Isuru Jayaratne, Nilantha Jayaweera, and last year’s captain Parakrama Ratnayake.
This robust forward pack is expected to provide the team with a solid platform in the scrums and breakdowns.
In the backline, Air Force will rely on experienced fly-half and place kicker Gayantha Iddamalgoda, whose sharp game management will be crucial.
He will have support from Ishara Madusanka, Pramod Padmasanka, Subash Bandara, and the dynamic Sri Lanka winger Darshana Dabare, promising an exciting attacking display.
Air Force, coached by Asela Deshapriya with assistance from Ranuka Medagedara, will look to leverage their home-ground advantage and deliver a spirited performance against their more experienced opponents.
The CH and FC rugby squad: Charith Silva, prop forward Pulasthi Dassanayake, Devindu Vimukthi, second rowers Sharo Fernando and Irosh Perera, Ravindu Anjula, Duvindra Ratnayake, Number Eight Janith Laksara, scrum halves Harsha Maduranga and Dinesh de Silva, winger Ramesh Fernando, captain Janindu Dilshan, Lahiru Lakshan, winger Thanuja Maduranga, and Pasindu Bandara.
Head Coach: Sanath Martis
Sri Lanka Air Force rugby squad: Manuka Perera, Niroshan Rajanayake, Isuru Jayaratne, Nilantha Jayaweera, Parakrama Ratnayake (last year’s captain), Charaka Werella (vice-captain), Pramod Madusanka (vice-captain), Rumesh Wasantha (captain), Gayantha Iddamalgoda (fly-half), Ishara Madusanka, Pramod Padmasanka, Subash Bandara, and Darshana Dabare (Sri Lanka winger).
Coach: Asela Deshapriya and Danuka Medagedara – assistant coach.
