Sri Lanka Names 35-Man Squad for Crucial ARC Playoff Against Malaysia

Captain yet to be named as high-stakes clash approaches

Sri Lanka Rugby has announced a strong 35-man squad ahead of their pivotal Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Playoff showdown against Malaysia, underscoring the nation’s ambition to reclaim regional dominance.

The squad features a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising young talent, representing the island’s top rugby clubs including Kandy SC, CR & FC, CH & FC, Havelocks, Police SC, Navy SC, Air Force SC, Army SC, and Sri Lions. With the final captain yet to be named, the squad selection suggests a focus on experience, form, and tactical depth.

The coaching staff, led by head coach Sanath Martis, includes Dushantha Lewke as Forward Coach, Saliya Kumara as Line Coach, and Rohan Chintaka as Team Manager. Spencer Leon will continue his crucial role as Data Analyst and Rugby Statsman, offering insights into performance and strategy.

Full Squad:

• Janidu Fernando (Havelocks)
• Thanuja Jayaweera (CR & FC)
• Senura Perera (CR & FC)
• Malitha Wijesundara (Kandy SC)
• Vimukthi Gamage (CH & FC)
• Pulasthi Dissanayake (CH & FC)
• Shamika Kaushan (Air Force SC)
• Venura Kodagoda (CR & FC)
• Naveen Marasinghe (CR & FC)
• Thilina Bandara (Kandy SC)
• Nirosh Perera (CH & FC)
• Hafiz Thabeeth (Police FC)
• Lahiru Thilakaratne (Police FC)
• Nalaka Maduranga (Army FC)
• Nizran Nillar (Sri Lions)
• Tharindu Chathuranga (Kandy SC)
• Lasindu Karunathilake (CR & FC)
• Daham Wickramarachchi (Kandy SC)
• Danuwan Hasanka (Navy SC)
• Hehan Jansen (Kandy SC)
• Mohamed Rifan (Havelocks)
• Primesh Dhanushka (Police SC)
• Nigel Ratwatta (Kandy SC)
• Thenuka Nanayakkara (CR & FC)
• Dinesh De Silva (CH & FC)
• Janidu Dilshan (CH & FC)
• Akash Madushanka (Police SC)
• Dhanushka Ranjan (Kandy SC)
• Hirantha Perera (Police SC)
• Sudesh Jayawickrama (Havelocks)
• Shaahid Zumry (Kandy SC)
• Dinal Ekanayake (Kandy SC)
• Pasindu Bandara (CH & FC)
• Jayathu Rajaratne (Havelocks)
• Mursheed Daray (CR & FC)

Big Match Ahead

The ARC playoff is crucial for Sri Lanka as they seek to secure a top spot in Asia’s premier rugby competition. The matchup against Malaysia is expected to be intense, with both nations fielding powerful squads and eyeing qualification and regional bragging rights.

As anticipation builds, fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the team captain – a key leadership role that could define the game’s momentum.

Sri Lanka will aim to combine flair with discipline, relying on the tried-and-tested strength of players like Nigel Ratwatta, Dhanushka Ranjan, and Janidu Fernando, while also giving younger players the platform to shine on the international stage.

More News : Sri Lanka to host Malaysia invital encounter