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Udaya Balasuriya
By Shamseer Jaleel
Kandy Sports Club will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21 June at their Club House, Nittawala Rugby Stadium starting at 10 a.m.
Udaya Balasuriya, a rugby product of Trinity College Kandy and a businessman by profession, is tipped to take over the presidency from Dr. Sarath Kapuwatte, who has decided to step down after a long innings, serving the club for a total of 20 years. Balasuriya comes from a family that has been known for promoting sports in Kandy, and the nephew of well-known rugby promoter late E.W. Balasuriya, who will be remembered as the first person to introduce professionalism to rugby when players from Colombo were brought to Kandy to represent his club, The Kandy Lake Club.
Balasuriya, a strict disciplinarian and a good administrator, will have fullest support and financial assistance from ‘Godfather of Rugby’ Malik Samarawickrama, as the trustee, and will be back by an enthusiastic and dynamic committee comprising of businessmen, bankers and company directors.
The side will be captained by the most experienced and Sri Lanka’s number one sevens and fifteen player who could walk into any Asian outfit without much difficulty, Fazil Marija, who will have the services of some experienced players from last year as well as some new faces from Colombo clubs who will be joining Kandy this season.
The side will be once again coached by the most experienced and trusted Johan Taylor and assisted by former Captain Sean Wijesinghe. Lasantha Wijesuriya will continue in the capacity of Rugby Chairman.
