The local powerhouse in the Sri Lankan schools rugby circuit, Isipathana College embarked on a new chapter in their rugby history launching their official website www.isipathanarugby.lk which would be dedicated to the sport alone.
The official launch was held yesterday at Waters edge under the patronage Mayor of Colombo, Rosy Senanayake, and the Minister of Sports Hon. Faizer Musthapha.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nalin De Silva, the captain of the 1973 rugby team, explained that Isipathana rugby is known for their fast, open brand of rugby and they have achieved the status they have today through many sacrifices and hardships as opposed to most of the other schools which have a far greater history when compared to Isipathana as they were only officially accredited to the SLSRFA in 1963. “We don’t have a huge history like many schools but in terms of our achievements I believe we are very much ahead of the other schools. The launch of this website will help Isipathana rugby in many ways as fans will be able to learn about our past achievements built on many sacrifices while they will have a source to access information with regards to details of tournaments and matches”.
Hon. Rosy Senanayake and Hon. Faizer Musthapha both acknowledged and commended the feats achieved by Isipathana in the rugby arena while also stating that they would look into helping Isipathana get a ground of their own very soon. Minister Musthapha who has been involved on previous occasions to help Isipathana get the Henry Pediris stadium stated that previously he tried and came close to getting Isipathana the Henry Pediris grounds but due to actions of several individuals, the move was put on hold. However now with Rosy Senanayake onboard and together with the Principal and Old boys of Isipathana they can work together and realize Isipathana’s dream of getting a ground of their own.
Chairman of the college Rugby management and Development Committee Shabeen Siddeek, addressing the occasion stated the website will no doubt help take Isipathana rugby to even greater heights. “Our objective is to give our supporters a platform to access information regarding Isipathana rugby as well as promote the brand Isipathana Rugby. We will keep working and we hope we would be able to go the extent of telecasting our games live through the website which would reach our passionate old boys overseas, giving them the feeling they still our connected with Isipathana Rugby no matter where they are.”
