Rugby legend Navaratnam dies aged 98

19 October 2023 06:23 pm - 8 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Former Sri Lanka Rugby star Sumanthiran (Summa) Navaratnam passed away today, (19) aged 98.

Having come through the ranks of Royal College, Navaratnam went on to represent Ceylon rugby team in the 1940s and 1950s. He was also one of the three local native Sri Lankans to represent the Sri Lankan national team which had then been dubbed 'All-White Sri Lanka.'

Born in Jaffna, Navaratnam was a super star for CR and FC during the 1950s where most notably he led the Red Shirts to Clifford Cup Victory in 1954.

At the end of his playing career, he took up coaching. He gave away Royal College his services for free for many years.

In addition to being a brilliant ruggerite and coach, Navaratnam had also been elected as the President of the Ceylon Rugby Football Union in 1972 and re-elected as the President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union in 1974.

He was also the first President of Sri Lanka’s rugby controlling body when this sports body was renamed as the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU).

Navaratnam was also a top athlete for Sri Lanka having won number of medals breaking several records. In fact, he was called 'the fastest man in Asia' after clocking 10.04s in the Men's 100m at the India States Olympic Meet.

Apart from his heroics on the field, Navaratnam also pursued his mercantile career as a Junior Trading Executive of Dodwell & Company in Colombo.

After the closure of Dodwell's company, he joined the Stores & Sales Department of Colombo Commercial Company. On his return to Sri Lanka in around 1989, he became General Manager of Consolexpo Corporation where he served in the relevant position for a period of three years.

He became General Manager at the Ceylon and Foreign Trades PLC in 1993 and served in the position for about 16 years before his retirement in 2009. He was also appointed on the board of Ceylon and Foreign Trades and its subsidiaries.

Navaratnam married twice. He was first married to Rosemary Rogers, the bestselling author, with whom he raised two children. His second marriage was to Romaine de Zilwa. (Harsha Amarasinghe)

The remains of late Summa Navaratnam will lie at the A. F. Raymond Parlour today (20) from 8.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m. and the last rites will be done at the Borella Cemetery.

RECOMMENDED WORLD NEWS

Ehelepola Walawwa to become first wax museum in Sri Lanka

8 hours ago

Indian Coast Guard seizes narcotics bound for Sri Lanka, 14 held

9 hours ago

Man runs onto tarmac before trying to board Sri Lanka-bound flight at Sydney airport

28 Apr 2024

Interest rate on EPF to be increased to 13%: Siyambalapitiya

28 Apr 2024

Overseas Sri Lankans back NPP this time like they backed Gota in 2019: Anura Kumara

28 Apr 2024

Sri Lankan students excel at International Creativity and Innovation Awards in Thailand

28 Apr 2024

Citizen k Thursday, 19 October 2023 08:07 PM

May he rest in peace .Such a great sportsman whom we will not see again.

Arjuna Siva Thursday, 19 October 2023 08:29 PM

RIP Sir

Arjuna Siva Thursday, 19 October 2023 08:29 PM

RIP Sir

Ajantha Friday, 20 October 2023 12:57 AM

RIP Sir

Ram Friday, 20 October 2023 03:48 AM

Deepest sympathies to his family. May he rest in Peace

DD Friday, 20 October 2023 06:50 AM

Summa was a truly outstanding figure in Sri Lankan rugby. He was incredibly devoted to the sport, not only as a player and coach but also as a leader. His influence on the nation's sports history is unforgettable. He had an amazing career that spanned over six decades, including his impressive coaching work at Royal College. His role in developing rugby in Sri Lanka is unmatched. It's likely that his coaching record of 65-70 years at Royal College will never be surpassed. Summa's unwavering commitment to the sport didn't just help numerous players but also inspired the entire nation. We hope he can rest in peace. RIP, Summa, and may your soul find eternal peace, knowing that your significant impact on Sri Lankan rugby will be remembered for many years to come.

Bandu Friday, 20 October 2023 11:13 AM

RIP Summa. A great SPORTSMAN who played rugby for the game honourably fair and square, unlike the uncouth R's who fought murdered and what else and sullied the sport.

Navi Friday, 20 October 2023 10:07 PM

May the turf lie softly over you. May you rest In peace. Late Summa Navaratnam

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Rugby legend Navaratnam dies aged 98

RECOMMENDED WORLD NEWS

Ehelepola Walawwa to become first wax museum in Sri Lanka

Indian Coast Guard seizes narcotics bound for Sri Lanka, 14 held

Man runs onto tarmac before trying to board Sri Lanka-bound flight at Sydney airport

Interest rate on EPF to be increased to 13%: Siyambalapitiya

Overseas Sri Lankans back NPP this time like they backed Gota in 2019: Anura Kumara

Sri Lankan students excel at International Creativity and Innovation Awards in Thailand

Most Viewed in News

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Not AirAsia bidding to acquire SriLankan: Capital A CEO clarifies

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Sri Lanka to hand management of China-built airport to India, Russia companies

Businessman claims Rs.50 Mn from Gota, Mahinda, Basil

Comments - 8

Add comment

LATEST NEWS

Ehelepola Walawwa to become first wax museum in Sri Lanka

Indian Coast Guard seizes narcotics bound for Sri Lanka, 14 held

Man runs onto tarmac before trying to board Sri Lanka-bound flight at Sydney airport

Interest rate on EPF to be increased to 13%: Siyambalapitiya

Overseas Sri Lankans back NPP this time like they backed Gota in 2019: Anura Kumara

POPULAR WORLD NEWS

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Not AirAsia bidding to acquire SriLankan: Capital A CEO clarifies