Zumri, Jayathu surprise omissions

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka national selectors picked the final 25 players for the Malaysian encounter which will take place at the Racecourse Grounds on 19 April with the surprise omissions of former Isipathana and Kandy SC star player, Shaahid Zumri and former D. S. Senanayake and Havies player plus the highest try scorer of the last League, Jayathu Rajarathna. 
Zumri played a vital part in the star-studded Kandy SC outfit displaying his defence and attacking ability on most of the matches he played in his debut club rugby year. 
Meanwhile, Jayathu Rajarathna was a standout winger for the Park Club who ended as the highest try scorer in the league last season. 
Mohamed Nizran, former Zahira and St. Peter’s player makes history by becoming the first player to represent Sri Lanka XV under Sri Lions Sports Club in their debut year. 
In another surprising move three masseurs being named under the officials.
Meanwhile, Nigel Ratwatte, one of Sri Lanka’s most versatile, accomplished, knowledgeable and artful rugby player in the recent past will lead the strong Sri Lankan XV’s against the Malaysian outfit. 
Nigel who retired from club rugby after 15 long years started his junior rugby at Trinity College and moved to South Africa for his studies and played rugby. 
Having started his club rugby journey at CR and FC, he moved to Upcountry Lions before returning to Kandy SC, where he represented for 12 successful years.
Ratwatte was widely regarded as a super reader of the game, excelling in multiple positions across the backline. 
His ability to dictate play, make crucial decisions, and execute under pressure made him a key asset to every team he represented. 
His leadership on and off the field helped shape the success of Kandy SC during his tenure will be expected for the national team as well.
From 2012 onwards, he was a regular member of the national sevens team, competing in high-profile international tournaments. He represented Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, a prestigious milestone in his career. 
Additionally, he played a vital role in the Sri Lankan squad during the Asian Games held in South Korea, competing against some of the best teams in the region.
Ratwatte also featured at the Hong Kong Sevens, a globally renowned tournament that attracts elite teams from around the world. His presence in the Asian Sevens Series, including legs in Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, further highlighted his importance to the national team.
Beyond sevens, he contributed immensely to Sri Lanka’s fifteens rugby, playing key matches, including a notable appearance against the Philippines.
Sri Lanka Squad: Janidu Fernando, Pulasthi Dissanayake, Senura Perera, Naveen Marasinghe, Thilina Bandara, Nizran Nillar, Tharindu Chathuranga, Lasindu Karunathilake, Heshan Jansen, Nigel Ratwatte – Captain, Janidu Dilshan, Akash Madhushanka, Danushka Ranjan, Dinal Ekanayake, Mursheed Doray, Vimukthi Gamage, Nirosh Perera, Mohamed Rifan, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Pasindu Bandara, Thanuja Jayaweera, Dahan Wickramarachchi, Venura Kodagoda. Standby players: Malitha Wijesundara and Hirantha Perera. Officials: Chief-De-Mission: Udaya Hettiarachchi, Team Manager: Rohan Chinthaka, Head Coach: Sanath Martis, Forwards Coach: Dushanth Lewke, Backs Coach: Saliya Kumara, Strength and Conditioning Coach: Tharaka Algama, Team Doctor: Dr. Pradeep Kiriella, Physio: Shafin Hameed, Masseur: Manoj Silva, Dilshan de Silva and L. P. P. Sameera.