Kanchana Ramanayake – a crack centre who stunned many opponents

Kanchana Ramanayake played school rugby as a three quarter for his alma mater Trinity College, Kandy in the inter schools rugby championship.

He represented club teams Up Country Lions, CR & FC and Kandy Sports Club with distinction and is presently turning out for Navy Sports Club in the inter club rugby tournament as an exceptional speedy centre three quarter.

He went on to represent the Sri Lanka national fifteen a side rugby team and Sri Lanka seven a side national team. Presently he is domiciled with his family in Australia.

Speaking exclusively to the Daily News, Kanchana Ramanayake said “I grew up in a sports background that’s where I found inspiration to enter the arena of sports and I have had the passion towards sports since I was small. Probably that is how my journey into the world of sports started”.

“There are many people who have supported me, especially my family and my wife. Hence I’m always grateful to all of them.”

Since I grew up in a sports background, I had the luxury of Watching my elder brothers play rugby and played with them during our leisure times; which ultimately made me choose rugby.”

“My priorities are surely my family and Rugby and it’s not an easy task to be a rugby player unless you can sacrifice many things in your life and you should be able to commit yourself more into the sport.”

“My most unforgettable incident is winning the Asians Five Nations rugby championship in 2015 held in Philippines. Hence that will always remain in my memory throughout my life as the most unforgettable incident to date.”

I spend my leisure time listening to music and watching movies and Bali is my favourite holiday destination “My greatest accomplishment is representing Sri Lanka national rugby team for four years.”

“The best compliment I have received was in 2016 at the Monaco Olympic Qualifiers, when I scored a few tries for the Sri Lanka team and I have been given good comments for my achievements.”

“It’s not an easy task to be a rugby player, unless you can sacrifice many things in your life and you should be able to commit yourself more into the sport”.

“Thus far indeed yes, I’m really happy with all my achievements.”

“My favourite rugby player is Beauden Barrett from the New Zealand All Blacks.”

“I won’t compare myself to anyone, because I’m unique in my own way.”

“In life the pandemic has taught me to enjoy my life and appreciate what you are and we are all the same regardless of our religion, culture, customs, whether we are poor or rich.”

“I wanted to be a businessman when I grow up.”

“As a person of courage, confidence and self motivation in the field of rugby, is the kind of legacy I want to be remembered for.”

On a concluding note Kanchana said that he likes to describe himself as a confident and ambitious person in life.”