Untimely death of outstanding Ruggerite Sajith Mallikarachchi
The local Rugby fraternity was in shock on the sudden passing away of one of Sri Lanka’s best Rugby players, Sajith Mallikarachchi, last Sunday, due to a heart attack. Mallikarachchi ( 37), at the time of his death, was a member of the National Rugby Selection Committee. He was a key member of the unbeaten Isipathana College teams of 1996 and 1997, captained by his brother Bandula Mallikarachchi and Vajira Hewage respectively.
Mallikarachchi was a utility player who, from his pet position of standoff, could also operate as a Center-threequarter. During his heyday, with his well built frame, playing for his school and clubs, with his trade mark dummies, could outfox, out jinx and run through an opponent’s defence. An exceptional player who could play 15-a-side as well as Sevens Rugby. Mallikarachchi, started playing Rugby in 1992, at Under-13 level, going onto play 1st XV in 1996 and 1997.
During his club career, he had a short stint with Peterson SC in 1997 and then moved to CR & FC in 1998. He joined Kandy Sports Club in 1999 and played till 2006. He captained Kandy SC in 2003 and 2006, that won the League and the Clifford Cup. Then in his final years of Club Rugby, he represented CH & FC from 2007 to 2009. The icing on his Rugby career was leading the National team in a 2005 world cup qualifier and the Sevens team at the Hong Kong Rugby 7s.
May he attain supreme bliss of nibbana!
Some of Sajith’s ex-teammates at Isipathana and Kandy Sports Club shared their views:
Vajira Hewage – Captain of the 1997 unbeaten triple champion team:
“Sajith was a versatile Rugby player. He could operate as a 5/8, a center or a fullback. We both played in the Junior Asiad in 1996, along with 4 other Isipathana players. In 1997, when I led the team, Sajith took half my burden by leading the entire back division. In that year, we had one of the best three-quarter line-ups. His sudden demise is hard to grasp,”
Kapila Silva – Isipathana teammate of 1996 and 1997, present Manager of Kandy Sports Club:
“He was the playmaker in Isipathana’s unbeaten sides of 1996 and 1997. We joined Kandy Sports Club together in 1999. He had the knack of finding the opposing sides’ weak links and could run through any gap to surprise them. He was a wonderful human being as well. Really miss him.”
Pradeep Basnayake – Former skipper of Kandy Sports Club and Sri Lanka:
“Honestly, it is difficult to find a player of the calibre of Sajith. Excellent player with good Rugby sense. Sajith played under my leadership at Kandy Sports Club in 2002 and was a good team man.”
Sameera Silva – Kandy Sports Club teammate:
“We both played for Kandy Sports Club from 1999. He was a team man. When he captained the side, he led from the front. He was a man who kept the unity of the team intact. One of the best captains Kandy has had. A player with good Rugby sense, who always had the opponents guessing. A wonderful human being.”