By Ranil Prematilake

An unusually hard talking Asoka Jayasena, Chairman of National rugby selection panel, reiterated the priority placed on performance in selecting the Al Ain bound Sri Lanka Rugby 7’s squad.

The selection panel headed by the former Sri Lanka skipper (from 1998 to 2003) and comprising of Rohan Abeykoon, Leslie De Silva, Hemantha Yatawara and Kapila Knowlton rung in a couple of changes from the South Korean edition squad. 

In comes Sudharaka Dikkumbura and young DS Senanayake schoolboy Dinupa Seneviratne in place of Richard Dharmapala and Ramesh ‘kadiya’ Fernando for this weekend’s event, with changes based purely on performance. Impressive newcomers Akash Madushanka and Dharshana Dabare retains their places in the squad. 

“Akash performed well when given the chance and Dabare, who was the player of the recently concluded SLR sevens rugby tournament looked a much improved player. In order to groom new talent exposure is a must, more so bearing in mind a hectic international sevens calendar that awaits us next year,” said the towering former second rower, who as many would know traded his skill from an era where lifting was prohibited at line outs to a new generation where lifting became the rule. 

“The team underwent an outbound training session at the Ganemulla Army camp, prior to their departure to Dubai. Training commenced last Thursday, a day after the arrival from South Korea and the squad was able to complete a few decent sessions. Our target should be the second or third place. Perennial dominant force Japan is expected to field a stronger squad this time round, which makes our target that much more difficult. We have picked the best possible squad for the mission in hand,” elaborated Jayasena. 

Commenting on women’s rugby Jayasena stated thus, “Women’s rugby needs a complete overhaul and a structural change. Mere participation will not take us anywhere. As at present we do not have a proper player base. I am aware that Sri Lanka Rugby has initiated measures to address this situation and the possibility of a concurrent 10’s tournament alongside the men’s inter-club season is being strongly pursued”.  

The probable squad named by the selectors is as follows:- Srinath Sooriyabandara (captain), Chathura Seneviratne, Anjula Hettiarachchi, Adeesha Weeratunga, Tharinda Ratwatte, Mithun Hapugoda, Kavindu Perera, Akash Madushanka, Dhanushka Dabare, Nigel Ratwatte, Dinupa Seneviratne and Sudharaka Dikkumbura.   

Caption: Asoka Jayasena – Chairman of Selectors