Saliya Kumara resigns from Women’s Rugby Head Coach

By Shamseer Jaleel

National Women’s Rugby Head Coach Saliya Kumara

National Women’s Rugby Head Coach Saliya Kumara has tendered his resignation with immediate effect. His letter of resignation was forwarded to Sri Lanka Rugby two days back.

Saliya Kumara who was in charge of the National Women’s Sevens outfit at Commonwealth Games and Asia Rugby Sevens second leg in South Korea where Sri Lanka ended on number six position out of eight teams beating only Malaysia. He was in charge of the unit for the last three years.

Speaking to Daily FT, Saliya Kumara said: “First of all I would like to thank Sri Lanka Rugby and its rugby committee for selecting me. I was the Head Coach for the last three years and we ended on number six position. My resignation is on personal grounds, nothing else.” 

Former Vidyartha, Trinity, Kandy SC player Kumara who is also Head Coach of Isipathana, Navy SC said: “If we want to go to the top three in Asia then we need to beat Hong Kong, China, Japan and Kazakhstan. We need to go for residential training camp, meal plan and nutrition plan these are essential since the top three teams in Asia are professional outfits. 

“Compared with other teams on speed, strength and power we lack big time, we need to go into residential camp and individual attention should be given. If we do this, we can get in to top three in Asian Games.” 

He wished the national Women’s outfit all the best and thanked President of SLR Rizly Ilyas and his team for giving him the opportunity.

Sri Lanka Rugby outfit is expected to feature in the third leg which will take place in UAE on 26 and 27 November. This will be the third and the final leg which is expected to see both Men’s and Women’s.