NKAR Travels spearheads Isipathana Rugby

Nilmin Nanayakkara, Managing Director, NKAR Travels and Tours the main sponsors is seen receiving the token of appreciation from Hishan Ally, Chairman, Isipathana Rugby Committee and B.S. Rajapakse, Isipathana Vice Principal flanked by Mervyn Preena, Vice President Sports, Nisaja Jayaweera and Shaahid Zumri, Capt. and Vice Capt of Isipathana rugby team

Sandeep Holey, Director/Country Head, Ultra Tech the platinum sponsor of Isipathana rugby team is receiving the token of appreciation from Hishan Ally, Chairman, Isipathana Rugby Committee and B.S. Rajapakse, Isipathana Vice Principal. - Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi 

By M. Shamil Amit   

Isipathana College formerly known as Greenlands College needs no introduction to the schools rugby arena. They have gone great heights since they began rugby at the school since 1961 and today they are a synonymous name and a much feared side also fondly known as the Green Machine.   

According to records the foundation for Isipathana rugby was laid by a lady named Mrs. Geddes who was an English teacher at Greenlands, she was supposed to be a rugby fanatic whose husband was a Trinitian. Who had her two sons attending the same school but later moved over to Trinity and represented the Trinity Lions.   

However though rugby at Greenlands initially was not successful it, was not forgotten as some rugby enthusiasts led by the school headmaster H.T. de Silva in 1961 through their dedication has gone a long way since the first schools official rugby team led by Randy C. Keller has borne fruit.   

Presently with the financial aspects being somewhat burden the efforts put in by the Isipathana Rugby Committee under the leadership of chairman Hisham Ally has succeeded to rake in some sponsors with NKAR Travels and Tours with an old boy of Isipathana as it’s Managing Director coming forward to support the team as the main sponsor.   
Apart from that they have succeeded to rake in Ultra Tech as the platinum sponsor with Siddhalepa, Prima Koththu Mee, G89, Fly Southern, Montrela Consultants, Gold, KFC and Peral Beach Paradise joining hands as co-sponsor.   

Nilmin Nanayakkara, Managing Director of NKAR Travels and Tours an old boy stated that “I am honoured to be involved as an old boy to support the youngsters and give back what we have learned to our alma mater.”   

Apart from being a much feared side the Pathanas have a proud record of having fed the most number of players (84) to the national rugby team and also presently some of the past players are involved in some of the activities as coaches or administrators   

Isipathana has no doubt been a side to be reckoned with having had the honour bagging double titles on several occasions. This year Isipathana led by third year coloursman Nisaja Jayaweera along with his deputy Shaahid Zumri and the nine colorsmen they possess will leave no stone unturned to bring back the coveted title this year.   

They have started off the season in style by winning their first matches against Sri Sumangala Kandy, Science College and Dharmaraja, Kandy. They have four more teams to confront against S. Thomas’, Trinity, DSS and St. Anthony’s.