Martis heads coaching staff for Asia Rugby clash

By Shamseer Jaleel  

One of the most experienced and reliable coaches in the country, Sanath Martis continues as the Head Coach of the Sri Lanka National Rugby outfit for the vital encounter against Malaysia in the Asia Rugby Top 4 qualification match which will take place at the Racecourse ground on April 19 under lights.  

The winner of this one-off encounter will play alongside Hong Kong, South Korea and UAE in AR Top 4 for 2025. Martis will be supported by CR Head Coach Dushanth Lewke as Forwards Coach, and Saliya Kumara stepping in as the Three-Quarters Coach. Saliya takes over from Nilfer Ibrahim who had a mixed season with the Cops. Tharaka Algama, a former Trinity College standout, has been appointed as the Team Trainer.  

Martis with a coaching career spanning over two decades, has played a crucial role in developing Sri Lankan rugby at both school and national levels. He began his national coaching journey as an Assistant Coach in 2003 under the guidance of George Simpkin and C. P. P. Abeygunawardena for the Sri Lanka Under-20 team, a role he held until 2004.   
Martis, who played for Isipathana and CR, took over as the Sri Lanka Under-20 Head Coach from 2006 to 2012, guiding the young talents of the country with remarkable success. In 2013, he served as Assistant Coach for the senior national team under Phil Greening.  

At school level, he left a lasting impact as Head Coach of Royal College from 2014 to 2017, before taking over the reins at St. Peter’s College in 2018, where he continues to shape the next generation of Sri Lankan rugby stars with number of trophies in League, Knockout and the shorter version of the games.   

Former Sri Lanka international Saliya Kumara has been appointed as the Three-Quarters Coach. A talented backline player in his time, Saliya represented Sri Lanka in both XVs and Sevens from 2006 to 2014, after making his mark in junior national teams in 2002. His vast playing experience at Vidyartha College, Trinity College, and top-tier clubs such as Havelocks SC, CH and FC, and Kandy SC makes him a valuable addition to the coaching setup.  

Kumara has successfully transitioned into coaching, building an impressive résumé. He has coached Vidyartha College, Trinity College, Isipathana College, and currently with St. Anthony’s College, achieving multiple league and knockout championships.   

At club level, he led Navy SC and Havelocks SC, steering them to finals appearances in knockout and league tournaments. His experience with the Sri Lanka Women’s Sevens team from 2018 to 2022 further strengthens his credentials.   

Dushanth Lewke, a former Sri Lanka captain and a dominant force in local rugby, continues as the Forwards Coach. Lewke has been instrumental in shaping strong forward packs at both school and club levels. Since 2018, he has been the Head Coach of Royal College, leading them to two league titles and multiple Bradby Shield victories. Lewke played for Royal, CR and Kandy SC. He played club rugby in New Zealand and went to represent the national team both in 7s and XVs. He also led the national outfit.   At the club level, Lewke has been the Head Coach of CR and FC since 2019, guiding them to an unbeaten league championship in 2024 and a Clifford Cup triumph in 2023. His national coaching experience includes roles as Sri Lanka Under-19 Head Coach in 2018, Assistant Coach for the senior national team in 2024, and Head Coach of the Sevens squad at the Asian Games.  

The final addition to the coaching staff is Tharaka Algama, who steps in as the   Trainer. Algama brings in his expertise in conditioning and fitness, crucial for Sri Lanka’s preparation for the physical challenge against Malaysia.   
Algama is with Trinity College rugby outfit for the last four years looking after the fitness of the boys along with the champion Kandy Sports Club where he operates in a similar role for more than a decade.  

The upcoming AR Top 4 promotion match is a pivotal moment for Sri Lanka Rugby, as a victory would see them return to Asia’s elite tier. With a blend of experienced leadership and fresh tactical insights, the team is well-equipped to face the challenge.  

The winner of this encounter on April 19 will face South Korea and UAE at home while the Hong Kong encounter will be away.