Bassa pride of Trinity and Sri Lankan Rugby
The name Pradeep Basnayake better known as ‘Bassa’ is synonymous with Rugby in the country. In the hill capital, he is considered a legend, a home grown hero who never crossed over to any club but served Kandy Sports Club with utmost dedication and loyalty during his entire playing career. For the Trinitians, he remains an icon who won the Bradby as a player, won the coveted Rugby Lion, captained Sri Lanka in Rugby and coached the 1st XV Trinity outfit to a Bradby victory.
Pradeep Basnayake today (on top) and during his playing days (right)
Looks are deceiving when it comes to Bassa. Inside this giant is a gentle, unassuming and humble man. Bassa has served the country as a double international at Rugby and Basketball. He represented Trinity College Kandy (1994-95) winning his rugby colours in the initial year and Rugby ‘Lion’ in the final year, which is a dream of any Rugby player at Trinity. He was selected to represent Sri Lanka at the Under-19 Junior Rugby Asiad in Hong Kong. He represented the Lions in Basketball and later on represented Sri Lanka Schools team and the National Youth team in 1992.
After leaving school, it was a natural process for Bassa to assume duties at Kandy SC (1996-2005) for over a decade. He led the 2002 side which won the Triple Crown, a very rare occasion these days in club rugby. He was an automatic choice in the second row position standing over six feet in height. Started playing ‘A’ Division Rugby in an era where ‘lifting’ was an infringement, Bassa developed to be a fine linesout artist, probably one of the best the country has ever seen. He represented the country continuously for eight years and led the national side for two years (2003-04).
After his playing days Bassa was appointed as a National Rugby Selector and performed duties admirably from 2010 to 2013. Presently, he functions as a Match Commissioner at ‘A’ Division tournament games.
A man who has a vision for the game, Bassa never minces his words when asked for opinion on Rugby. Speaking to the Sunday Times on schools rugby in Sri Lanka, he said “schools rugby is very competitive, boys are very passionate about wearing the college jersey and 
proud to wear them. Lot of money is being poured in to coaching, nutrition, foreign expertise, strengthening and conditioning.
But when it comes to club rugby, passion and loyalty of players are a rarity. Players tend to change clubs like changing clothes. This is done for monetary benefits. Rugby at club level is very popular and passionately followed by many thousands. It is nothing but fair for the fans to expect players to be loyal to their clubs.”
Bassa said that being competitive, good quality rugby being played, involvement of quality foreign players and coaches all have added value to Rugby in Sri Lanka. He continued by saying that Sri Lanka are within the reach of second position in Asia and the aim should be to represent the country at the 2019 Rugby World Cup which will be hosted in the Asian region, Japan, for the very first time.
“We need to have well co-ordinated long term plan on player development, injury management, mental strength and player recognition,” he inisists.
Bassa is now involved in coaching juniors at Trinity and is presently working toward achieving IRB Level 2 Coaching Certification. He still considers himself to be a learner but is ever willing to part with his knowledge to young players and coaches whenever necessary. He is a professional in the Financial Services Industry with long years of working experience in foreign and local banks. Bassa is ever grateful to his present employer Kanrich Finance where he is an Assistant General Manager, for all the support given to further his passion in life: Rugby.
In conclusion Bassa said: “We are moving to top two in Asia in Sevens Rugby which really good for the country. I know it’s tough to play in a tournament like Hong Kong Sevens when the other teams are playing more than eight tournaments a year around the globe. Why not try to get some young players in their early 20s and keep them for three years so they will be qualified to play for Sri Lanka as per the IRB (International Rugby Board) law. This will do lot of good for our players plus the country long term”.