Saliya Kumara has decided to move back to his home town, taking charge of St. Anthony’s in a surprise move as Dhanushka Botheju moves one up to be Head Coach of Isipathana while Dulanjana Wijesinghe too has been given the nod by the St. Joseph’s College authorities to take over the vacant Head Coach role from Nilufer Ibrahim.
St. Antony’s and St. Joseph’s will be aiming to build on what was a disastrous season, but Dhanushka Boteju has massive shoes to fill as he looks to keep Isipathana at the top of the pile.
Saliya Kumara will face an uphill task if he is to elevate his hometown school up the Schools Rugby rankings, as St. Anthony’s has endured several difficult seasons in recent years.
The former Vidyartha College, Trinity College, Kandy SC, and Havelock SC Head Coach, as well as a national player, last won the President’s Trophy Knockout Championship with Isipathana. He will undoubtedly bring his hunger for victory to the St. Anthony’s team.
Saliya Kumara is currently the Head Coach of Havelock SC.
Dhanushka Boteju is set to take over the Head Coach role at Isipathana, a position vacated by Saliya Kumara. Boteju, a former Isipathana College, CR & FC, and national prop forward, has previously coached S. Thomas’ College, St. Joseph’s College, Zahira College, and D. S. Senanayake College.
He was the forwards coach under Saliya Kumara at Isipathana and is currently working alongside Saliya at Havelock SC. A Level 2 qualified coach, Boteju also has experience handling forwards at CH & FC, Police SC, and CR & FC.
He will be assisted by Chanaka Chandimal as Backs Coach at Isipathana next year.
Meanwhile, Dulanjana Wijesinghe has been promoted to Head Coach of St. Joseph’s College as Nilufer Ibrahim stepped down after seven years.
This change will likely be a welcome one for Joes Rugby, as they appeared to lack creativity from the Head Coach, which hampered their progress in 2024.
The former Wesley and Police SC coach will take the reins alongside Lakala Perera. Lakala will oversee the back division, as the Josephians aim to make waves in the 2025 season after a disappointing 2024 campaign.
