Wesley College Colombo Launches 69th Rugby Season Amidst 151st Anniversary Celebrations
May 28, 2025
Wesley College Colombo Launches 69th Rugby Season Amidst 151st Anniversary Celebrations
By Akhlaq Gazzali –
Marking a significant milestone in its proud history, Wesley College Colombo kicked off its 69th rugby season with a formal press conference and sponsors’ felicitation on Thursday, the 8th of May. The event was held at the iconic Wesley College Pavilion, located on the historic Campbell Park grounds, as the institution celebrates its 151st year.
The Double Blues will take to the field this season under the leadership of Sandul Gammanpila, a fourth-year Coloursman who captains the side. Supporting him are Abdul Haadhi, a third-year Coloursman and vice captain, and Hashim Thabeeth, also a fourth-year Coloursman, who takes on the role of deputy vice captain.
Wesley Rugby continues to benefit from the dynamic Kingswood-Wesley alumni coaching partnership. At the helm is Henry Terence, a former Wesley captain and Sri Lanka national representative, who brings vast experience as head coach. He is joined by Amjad Buksh, a seasoned sevens specialist with playing experience at Kingswood, CR&FC, Kandy SC, and Sri Lanka, and Niranjan Wickremeratne, former Wesley and national team winger, who will oversee the backs.
Thilina Weerasinghe, a former Kingswood captain and Sri Lankan international, serves as the kicking coach. The team’s physical readiness will be managed by experienced physiotherapist Tharanga Galapitawatta, with Madhuka Marasinghe as trainer. Pastor Emil Lasantha and Bro. Piumal Perera will continue in their roles as Team Manager and Master-in-Charge, respectively.
Wesley College Rugby remains deeply grateful for the support of its long-standing partners.
• Principal Sponsor: Citizens Development Business (CDB), marking over a decade of continued commitment.
• Sponsors: Deedat (returning sponsor), Hemas Pharmaceuticals (with ‘Appeton’).
• Clothing Partners: GORDONE Sri Lanka and WITCO (Wakkumbura Industrial Technology)
• Gumshield Partner: Align Dental Care
• Higher Education Partner: Esoft (ESU)
• Radio Partner: FOX 91.4
• Digital Strategic Partner: Double Blue
• Print Partner: Idea
• Entertainment Partner: CMB Events
Wesley College first embraced the game of rugby in 1956, with Eddie Buell leading as the inaugural captain. The game was significantly shaped and nurtured by former schoolmaster Donton D’Abrera, revered as the ‘Father of Wesley Rugby.’
Though the coveted Schools Rugby League title has eluded them, Wesley came close in 1997 and 2003/04 as runners-up. Their most historic triumph came in 2013 when they claimed their first 1st XV silverware—the President’s Trophy Knockout Championship—under the captaincy of Rahul de Silva. They also secured runner-up finishes in 2002, 2004, and more recently in 2019 under Mursheed Doray, who guided the team to a 4th-place finish in the league. In 2022, led by Tharusha Jayaweera, Wesley reached the knockout semifinals and again ended the league season in 4th place.
The Blaze Trophy, contested against traditional rivals Kingswood College, was successfully retained last year for a third consecutive time—a historic achievement for Wesley. Their longest-standing rivalry in the sport, however, remains with Royal College, dating back to that inaugural year of 1956.
Over the years, Wesley has produced many players who have gone on to don the national jersey, including Reggie Bartholomuesz, Zubair Doray, Kishan Musafer, Henry Terence, Niranjan Wickremaratne, Rahul de Silva, Shehan Dias, Mursheed Doray, Vimukthi Gamage, and Hafiz Thabeeth, among others. Most recently, Mursheed, Vimukthi, and Hafiz represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Rugby Qualifiers against Malaysia and New Zealand’s U-85 kg team.
Wesley Rugby 2025 – 1st Round League Fixtures
• June 6 – vs. Science College @ Havelock Park
• June 13 – vs. D.S. Senanayake College @ Longden Place
• June 21 – vs. St. Anthony’s College @ Nittawela
• June 28 – vs. St. Peter’s College @ Havelock Park
• July 5 – vs. Ananda College @ Havelock Park
Second Round commences in the third week of July.
Trophy Fixtures (Dates TBD):
• Blaze Trophy – vs. Kingswood College
• Sir Oliver Goonetilleke Shield – vs. St. Thomas’ College
As the Wesley Rugby fraternity looks ahead to another spirited season, they invite all rugby fans to join in celebrating the sport in the true spirit of camaraderie, competition, and sportsmanship.
