Cornered Sri Lions looking for a cultural roar?

The Sri Lions squad (Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana)

The new-boys of Sri Lanka club rugby - Sri Lions have had a difficult beginning to their journey last season, but their new head coach Dulanjana Wijesinghe is eager to build a sustainable rugby culture ahead of the new season.

“It’s been both challenging and rewarding. Coaching at this level demands a lot — preparation, analysis, man-management — but that’s what makes it exciting. You’re working with talented players who want to improve, and that pushes you as a coach too. 

“The key for me is building a strong culture and getting the best out of each individual. I’m enjoying the journey, and I’m proud to be part of developing the game here at Sri Lions,” said Wijesinghe, a former Sri Lanka front rower in an interview with the Daily Mirror. 

Sri Lions have lost most of their senior players including hooker Prasath Madushanka who has returned to CH and FC, but Wijesinghe is confident of the team he has to work with. 

“Our forwards have been putting in serious work during pre-season. They bring a lot of physicality and energy to the game — they’re the engine that sets the tone. 

“We’ve strengthened our front row and added depth in the loose forwards, which gives us more balance between power and mobility. 

“As for the backline, we’ve got some exciting speed and creativity there. The combination of experienced playmakers and young talent means we can adapt to different styles of play. They’ve been building good chemistry, and we’re confident they’ll be a real threat going forward this season,” said Wijesinghe who played for Navy. 

Sri Lions though a new club, had some of their players making it to the national team earlier this year. Wijesinghe believes the exposure of playing at a higher level could be a big advantage moving forward. 

“Representing your country is always an honour, and it brings a whole new level of experience and confidence. Playing at international level exposes them to different styles, higher intensity and pressure situations — all of which help them grow.

“When they come back to the club, they bring that knowledge and professionalism with them. It raises the standard for everyone around them, and that’s a big positive for the Sri Lions”, added Wijesinghe.

He said preparations have been really focused and structured this year. 

“We started early to make sure the players were in top physical condition, but also to work on our game systems and team cohesion. The pre-season has included a mix of fitness, skill work, and match simulations to get everyone sharp and aligned with our game plan. 

“We’ve also placed a big emphasis on recovery, nutrition, and mindset — making sure the players are not just physically ready, but mentally prepared for the challenges ahead. 

“The energy in the squad has been fantastic, and there’s a real sense of purpose. Everyone’s eager to make a strong statement this season,” he said. 

Wijesinghe also claimed that their target for this season is to face up to all challengers thrown at them. 

“Our main target is to be consistent and competitive in every game. We want to be in the mix for the top positions, but the focus is on continuous improvement — week by week. If we can execute our game plan, stay disciplined and maintain our standards, the results will follow. Ultimately, we want to make the fans proud and establish Sri Lions as one of the most respected sides in the league,” said Wijesinghe.