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By Jehan Canagaratne and Z. Kamil Mohamed
Forty years after having played against each other in the Bradby Shield encounter, we Royalists and Trinitians of 1984 pause to remember our fallen comrades who led us into battle…
As time weaves its tapestry of memories, the fierce rivalry and camaraderie of the Bradby Shield remain etched in our hearts. Forty years have passed since we clashed on the hallowed rugby fields of Trinity College and Royal College, battling for glory in the prestigious Bradby Shield encounter. What was once a contest of strength, strategy, and spirit has now become a shared legacy of honour and brotherhood. Today, in remembrance, we pay tribute to those teammates and opponents who have since departed, leaving behind a void that can never be filled.
Sampath Agalawatte – The Royal Captain
Sampath Agalawatte, or “Agale” as he was affectionately known, was the beating heart of Royal College’s 1984 rugby team. A natural-born leader, Sampath’s passion for the game was evident from his earliest years on the field. His journey as a rugby player began in the junior teams, where his determination and skill quickly set him apart. By the time he became captain of the First XV, his leadership had already become the cornerstone of Royal’s rugby success.
Under Agale’s captaincy, the Royal team of 1984 achieved what no other Royal team had before—they secured the Bradby Shield, the Michael Gunaratne Trophy, and the Phillip Buultjens Trophy, sweeping all the major honours in a single season. This remarkable feat remains unmatched in Royal’s rugby history and stands as a testament to Sampath’s unwavering resolve and tactical acumen.
Agale was more than just a captain; he was a tower of strength on the field. His presence was felt in every match, but it was during the intense second leg against Trinity College that his leadership truly shone. Always ready to drop back and support his team, Sampath’s ability to inspire those around him was unmatched. Off the field, his leadership extended seamlessly into his professional life, where he continued to motivate and guide those fortunate enough to work alongside him.
Sampath’s achievements were not confined to the rugby field. He was also the recipient of the Dornhorst Memorial Prize for General Merit, an award regarded by many as the most prestigious honour a student at Royal College could attain. This accolade reflected not just his excellence in sports, but his all-around capabilities as a student and a leader.
Sampath’s legacy lives on in the memories of his teammates and in the lives of his beloved family—his wife Dilhani, and his children Samali, Samal, and Sahan. Though he is no longer with us, Agale’s spirit remains a guiding light for all who knew him. His story is one of dedication, leadership, and an enduring love for the game that brought us all together.
As we remember Sampath Agalawatte, we honour not just the captain he was, but the man he became—a leader, a friend, and a true Royalist. His memory continues to inspire us, reminding us of the values we hold dear and the bonds that will forever tie us to the field where we once battled side by side.
Dushyantha Wijayasingha – The Trinity Captain
Dushyantha Wijayasingha, the captain of Trinity’s 1984 rugby team, was a man of quiet resolve and deep introspection. Leadership, though not something he sought, was a mantle that sat heavily on his shoulders, yet he bore it with grace and humility. Dushyantha’s demeanor may have been reserved, but beneath that calm exterior lay a mind sharp in strategy and a heart dedicated to his team.
It was this strategic brilliance that shone through during the 100th Bradby encounter, a match that has since become a part of Bradby folklore. In a game that tested every player’s resolve, it was Dushyantha’s last-minute tackle that secured Trinity’s victory, a moment of sheer determination that would etch his name in the annals of Trinity’s rugby history. That tackle was not just a display of physical prowess but a testament to his unwavering commitment to his team.
Dushyantha was more than just a rugby player; he was a well-rounded individual who balanced his time between the rugby field, the basketball court, and his academic pursuits. His ability to excel in all these areas was a reflection of his disciplined nature and his refusal to accept anything less than the best of himself.
After leaving Trinity, Dushyantha pursued a successful career in finance, bringing the same level of dedication and meticulousness to his professional life as he had to his sports. Yet, despite his accomplishments, he remained true to his nature—humble, introspective, and deeply private. When illness struck, Dushyantha bore it in silence, refusing to let it define him or overshadow the life he had built.
Dushyantha’s legacy is one of quiet strength, perseverance, and integrity. He was a man who led by example, not words, and his influence continues to be felt by those who knew him. His passing has left a void in the lives of many, but he is especially missed by his beloved family, including his wife and brother, who cherish the memories of a man who lived his life with dignity and grace.
Sanjaya Sigera – The Royalist Rock
Sanjaya Sigera, affectionately known among his peers for his distinctive features and voracious appetite for rice, was a unique presence on the Royal College rugby team. With his unassuming nature and a quiet demeanour, Yet, on the rugby field, this humble man transformed into a formidable force, anchoring the front row as a tighthead prop. His strength, akin to that of an ox, was legendary, and his contribution to the team was invaluable.
Rugby in our days may not have been as scientific as it is now, but Sanjaya’s role was clear—he was the rock that held the scrum together. We had the privilege of touring with him as part of the Sri Lankan U20 national team to Taiwan for the 5th Pan Pacific Games. During that tour, Sanjaya proved his mettle not just on the rugby field but also off it, winning arm-wrestling matches against much larger opponents. It was a testament to his quiet strength and determination, qualities that defined him throughout his life.
Sanjaya’s journey took him from the rugby fields of Royal College to medical school in Russia, where he pursued his dream of becoming a doctor. He eventually settled in Palmerston, New Zealand, where he established his own medical practice. Sanjaya was the only doctor among the players from the 1984 and 1985 Bradby encounters—a rare and commendable achievement. His quiet strength continued to serve him well as a General Practitioner, earning him the respect and admiration of his community.
Tragically, Sanjaya’s life was cut short by a rare illness. What began as a routine inpatient care for a chest cold turned into an unexpected battle that he could not overcome. Sanjaya left behind his loving wife and three children, the eldest of whom is continuing her studies in Palmerston. His wife has since returned to her native Georgia, while his sister, Nilmini, has made her mark as a performer, winning recognition at the Osaka Asian Film Festival in 2019.
Arjuna De Silva – The Flamboyant Trinity Athlete
Arjuna De Silva was perhaps the most naturally gifted athlete to don the 1984 Trinity College rugby jersey. His talents on the field, his speed and agility making him a formidable opponent. Arjuna’s love for the game was evident in every match he played, and his skill set him apart as a key player in the Bradby Shield encounters.
After leaving Trinity, Arjuna moved to the United States for higher education, where his adventurous spirit found new outlets. He had a passion for speed, whether it was on a motorbike or behind the wheel of his new 240 SX Sports car or barefoot jet skiing. Tragically, it was this thrill for speed that led to his untimely death. On the night of August 25th, after attending a friend’s wedding, Arjuna’s car skidded off the road and crashed into a power pole, claiming his life just as the clock struck midnight.
Arjuna was a charmer, a quiet assassin on the field, and a beloved friend off it. His popularity with the ladies, his commitment to the gym, and his love for adventure made him a memorable figure among those who knew him. Arjuna’s legacy lives on in the hearts of his siblings, friends and teammates, who remember him as a man who lived life to the fullest.
Anjana Dissanayake – The Trinity Warrior on and off the Field
Anjana Dissanayake was a true warrior, both on the rugby field and in life. He played rugby with the stated aim of enjoying himself regardless of the outcome, embodying a carefree attitude that made him a favourite among his peers. Whether as a flanker or a hooker, Anjana’s hard-hitting style and rough-and-tough demeanour defined his approach to the game. He was known for never washing his rugby kit and would wear any jersey he found lying around, a testament to his laid-back spirit and love for life.
After his time at Trinity, Anjana carried that same spirit into his military career, joining the navy as a cadet officer. He was a man who never hesitated to speak his mind and question authority, earning the respect of his comrades both on the field and in the barracks. Tragically, Anjana made the supreme sacrifice when he was killed in action, defending his motherland, when the vehicle he was traveling in was blown up by a landmine. Though he left no children behind, his legacy as a fearless rugby player and a dedicated naval officer lives on. Anjana was an officer, a gentleman, a friend, and a man who lived life at a pace only he could manage.
A Legacy of Brotherhood
As we remember Sampath Agalawatte, Dushyantha Wijesinghe, Sanjaya Sigera, Arjuna De Silva and Anjana Dissanayake, we honour their contributions not only to the game of rugby but to the lives of those who knew them. They were more than just teammates; they were brothers in arms, sharing in the triumphs and challenges that came with wearing the colours of Trinity and Royal. Their legacy is one of strength, courage, and a love for life that continues to inspire us all.
Today, we stand together—Royalists and Trinitians alike—to remember our fallen comrades. We reflect on the battles we fought, the victories we celebrated, and the friendships we forged. Though they are no longer with us, the memories of Sampath, Dushyantha, Sanjaya, Arjuna and Anjana remain vivid in our hearts. They will forever be a part of the Bradby Shield’s rich history, and their spirits will continue to watch over the fields where they once played.
May they rest in peace, and may their legacy live on in the stories we share and the memories we hold dear.
Source Credits: Admiral Travis Sinniah, Dinesh De Silva, Dhananjaya Wijayasingha
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I’m Anula Dissanayake, Anjana’s mother.
Account about him is very true to the core
Thank you very much and I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart.
Anula Dissanayake
Mrs Dissanayake, It was our pleasure to have known him and our privilege to write this tribute. May he rest in peace. JC & ZKM