Sajith Mallikarachchi – a true definition to greatness
View(s):When I wanted to talk about the late Sajith Mallikarachchi what came to my mind was a quote from one of William Shakespeare’s plays: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
All these could apply to the Sri Lankan Rugby player and excellent human being; called early in life to say good bye to us all in rugby. Sajith was fated to serve and depart young: but in that short span attracted situations that full filled a dream that will be remembered by all who knew him.
The Late Sajith Mallikarachchi was talented and born to be a sportsman. That is the part of being born great. He achieved greatness through dedication and hard work using his abilities. That is the part he worked on to be a great rugby player. Starting a career of Rugby at Isipathana College, he worked tirelessly and played through 1994 to 1997. The fete that he is remembered while in school was the three tries he scored against Royal College. The dummy, side step and the piercing run were his hallmark.
Once the talents were acknowledged he had greatness thrust upon him as captain of the College, Club as well as the National side. Sajith tuned out for Petersons and CR&FC for a short time and CH at the end of his career. He played for Kandy SC from 1999 till 2007, and captained the Kandy team in 2003 and 2006.
Sajith was a regular member of the Sri Lanka National squad from 1997 to 2007, and also he had the honour of captaining the country in 2005 and 2006. The thrust of leadership went further and he was appointed a selector a role he was in even at the time of death. He also represented the Kandy Sports Club at the SLRFU. He was also a capable and one of the best Citing Officers of the SLRFU.
Normally when “greatness” comes with all the trappings of modern day it drives some off to forget why and where they are. Sajith remained humble, smiling, simple and responsible to the time of his young life being taken away. He lived as a role model and a hero to family, relations, friends and the rugby community. To his school he was a proud product.
He lived a life of being an example sportsman, able to acknowledge the responsibility that had been thrust upon him. It would be wrong for us to expect sportsmen to be saints. It would also be wrong for us to think that their behaviour is markedly different from the sportsmen they grew up watching. Sajith however lived a life to remember and be an example to others.
It is undeniable that the actions of sportsmen will influence the lives of those who follow them.
The modern day sportsmen are the prophets or gods of today and their actions are scrutinized and followed by many. Some may be aware of it but not respect it. Sajith was both aware of it and respected it. Ultimately you do not choose whether you are a role model. All he did was to decide how to act when greatness was thrust upon him.
Sajith achieved greatness in the field of rugby and as a human being in the world of rugby. He did not have to say by himself that he was great. It is those who have met him, played with him or watched him play or associated with him in rugby and in the administration of the game that showered praises and called him great. It was not like those who themselves say that ‘I am great’ but it was the world that decorated him with praise.
By the time Sajith was called to rest at 37 he had achieved a niche in the world of Sri Lankan Rugby. He excelled in whatever he did and the mark of excellence came naturally to him. I along with Wimal Senanayake had the opportunity to be involved as Citing Commissioner on three of the Carlton Sevens with Sajith. It was always a pleasure to work with him and he looked as though he was born to take up citing. Off the field after a day’s hard work we would discuss the day and recall rugby while cheering ourselves. He added humour to the day with stories and if he wanted to be up and enjoy a little more with the many friends and fans he would say “don’t worry about the door I will not disturb the senior citizens when I come back”.
A story he always delighted in repeating was when he and his brother Bandula were playing for two different clubs and played against each other. One day they were on the field opposing each other. He had got a break and was running in his usual style towards the goal line only to hear the familiar voice shouting Sajja! Pass!!, and he passed the ball only to see his brother Bandula taking the ball and running in the other direction.
Sajith you were called young to eternal rest from Rugby Sri Lanka and its followers will certainly miss you for what you have done and not for what you could have done. As Horatio said to Hamlet “Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince; and may a flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
* Vimal Perera is a former player, coach, referee and an IRB Accredited Referees’ Educator