From a jack to a king – a new rugby episode

On a cold wintery morning I made a trek to meet Dharmapalage Nimal at Longden Place – the home of Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club.

The one-time ground assistant at CR & FC, has hit a purple patch as an international referee. He is the first Lankan referee to blow a junior Rugby Asiad final. This came true when he blew the final between Japan vs. Chinese Taipei a few days ago. The Asiad (Under 19) was held in Taipei December 15-23. He did an excellent job and came into reckoning of the International Rugby Board panel (IRB) headed by Dr. Syd Miller and Jarrard Gallagher (The Regional Development Manager).

Nimal was nominated to blow the final ahead of many other contenders. He did proud for the country and for the Referees’ Society of Sri Lanka.

Nimal’s father Dharmapala Haramanis Appu worked as a watcher at CR and FC. It was hard grinding for Haramanis Appu to bring up a growing family – a day to day living.. Nimal. Studied at Jawatte Central and then joined CR and FC in 1988 as a ground assistant. He says he never played rugby unlike the present –day less affluent. Had the opportunity of watching some of CR’s top players in action at that time in the likes of Raji De Sylva, Ajit Abeyratne, Jagath Fernando, Mohan and Ravi Balasuriya, Chula and Vipula Dharmadasa, Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, Malik Samaarwickrema, Indrajit Coomeraswamy etc.

Q: Who helped you at grassroots level?
A: Mr. Zainudeen a teacher. Later he worked as the Administrative Secretary of the Rugby Union. He was like my foster father. He taught me the Do’s and Don’ts in life--to respect elders and not forget my past. This was the cornerstone of my success story.

Q: Are you aware that Michael Clarke the young Australian Test bastman, was wrapping bats at the Kingsrove Sport Centre, in Sydney managed by Sri Lankan-born Harry Solomons from Ruhuna. Today Clarke is a big name in cricket. It doesn’t matter what you do. You must maintain your integrity. Live with honour.
A: Yes today I am something in life. Thanks to my poor parents, and to the members of the CR and FC. They helped me to climb the slippery ladder. I will always have a special word of thanks to Mr. Malik Samarawickrema, a beacon light to the down-trodden. I was one of them. I also can’t forget Mr. James Jayaratnam, at the start of my career.

Q: Who helped you in refereeing?
A: Mr. Vimal Perera and Mr. Niel Wijeratne. Vimal gave me the break and assigned me for school matches. Tony Amit assessed my levels. The then president of the Referees; Society, Mr. Gamini Fernando talked to me after games. He instilled on mental toughness.

Q: How long did you take to reach Level I?
A: 4 years. The next step Level Two, 7 years, a long wait.

Q: You may have received bouquets and brick bats from the touchline?
A: Yes. I acted according to my conscious. There may be human errors, but never was I a cheat. I worked in the shade of Mr. Dilroy Fernando. He inspired me, and encouraged me to act without fear or favour.
At the recent Junior Asiad, he was there to guide me. The Sri Lanka Referees; Society nominated me for the Asiad. My first match was Malaysia – Thailand. Malaysia won 32-21.The IRB gave me the final.between Japan and Chinese Taipei. It was running rugby at its best. They had the skills, speed, stamina and mental toughness.

Q: What is your mode of living besides refereeing?
A: Coaching Carey College and Lyceum International School.

Q: Anyone other person helping you?
A: Muttiah Muralitharan. Sri Lanka’s spin-wizard. His Foundation, handled by former Ananda and Tamil Union opener, Kushil Gunasekera. ‘Murali’ who loves rugby. Regularly helps me with the latest rugby cassettes.

Q: Married?
A: Yes. With two children. My son Lasantha is a grade III student, at Royal Junior school.

Q: What are your future aspirations?
A: To officiate international games at national level away. I have to work hard and be totally committed.