Sports - Sisira, the sports 3 in 1

On spite of the torrential downpour, I took my time off to meet dusky Commander (Rtd.) S.K. Sisira, one of the finest products of Isipatana College, who excelled on the field of rugby and also as a naval officer of distinction.

Sisira was an allrounder. He captained the school 1st XI at cricket in 1976, then in the next year led (the first XV rugby) and athletic teams with success, winning Public Schools athletics colours taking part in the 400 and 800 yard events. It’s a rare milestone in the annals of Isipatana’s sports history.

S.K. started a trail-blazing rugby career as a juvenile captaining the teams at all levels. He was also the head prefect. He believed in the 3 Ds. Discipline, dedication, and determination. This was the cornerstone for his joining the Navy.

Q: Who coached you at grassroots level?
A: Late Horace Perera. He was our neighbour at Polhengoda. He was a hard tackling centre three quarter. Horace, played in the 1st XV. He was my rugby idol at school. I learnt the skills whilst watching the seniors in action. At school Hafi Abdeen, Kamal Jayawardena, Nalin de Silva inspired me. My elder sister Sunanda Jayasekera, a staunch supporter of rugby, gave all the encouragement. Todate I am grateful to her.

Q: What was your most unforgettable moment in your rugby career?
A: Quite a number of them. Played for the Ist XV, at the age of 15. Under ‘Iron Man’ Nalin de Silva. In 1976, I was the vice-captain of the Ist XV. Scored 100 points – 25 tries, in 7 games against Royal, S. Thomas’ Mt. Lavinia, St. Peter’s, Ananda, Wesley, Zahira and Thurstan. It was equalled by yet another Patana player, Hisham Abdeen in 1980 in 8 games.

Q: How long did you play for the Navy?
A: From 1977 to 89. Former Peterite rugby player Alfred Perera, was the Commander. He was the cog-in-the-wheel. He gave me tremendous support.
The Navy team was coached by Dickie Jayatilleke. The team had the likes of Bin Caliph, Nandasiri, P.W. Perera, Nazeer, lanky second-rower Parakrama Samaraweera (still missing in action) Navam Tennakoon etc. pulled out from rugby in 1985, due to exigencies of duty. I played for the CH and FC under ‘Shan’ Perera.

Q: When did you play for Sri Lanka?
A: Debut in 1982 for the Hong Kong 7s under ‘think tank’ Saman Jayasinghe. The team had Hisham Abdeen, Nalin de Silva, Len Silva, Tikiri Marambe, etc. In 1985 the Lankan team was led by C.P.P. Abeygunawardena. Chandana, was one of the finest half backs. I’ve played with and against.

Q: When did you retire from the Navy?
A: In 1998, after 21 years of service.

Q: In what way did you contribute for the navy and defence services rugby?
A: Led the Navy with a set of greenhorns from 1985. Rugby-wise its morale was low. However Bryan Baptist coached us very well. In the first–leg against CH and FC lost to 63-3. In the second leg at Maitland Crescent we beat CH 9-6, in 1987. In 1989 the sailors knocked the day- lights out of the elite clubs. Entered the K.O. finals both ‘A’ and ‘B’ divisions and finished as the runners-up. It was a rugby revival. In 1982 I led the defence services team against the visiting well-knit Bracknel RFC from London. The services team was coached by Ajit Abeyratne. We came out with a stunning performance to win 18-5. It was the only defeat they suffered on tour. Late Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa refereed the match.

Q: At present in which ways are you serving the game?
A: I have been Chairman of Navy rugby for 5 years. Besides that I also serve as a national selector and administrator. I am also the Chairman of Isipatana Rugby Committee. Few years back rugby at ‘Patana’ was in disarray. But my committee got their act-together. Patana rugby has come back akin to their past under coach Hisham Abdeen, who has done a tremendous job.