By Hishsan Welmilla
Veteran leader steps aside after Asian Games as Diluksha Dange is appointed vice-captain
Sri Lanka’s rugby sevens team is entering a new chapter with veteran campaigner Srinath Sooriyabandara stepping down as captain following the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, paving the way for experienced centre Janidu Dilshan to take over the leadership.
Sri Lanka Rugby has appointed Dilshan as the new captain of the national men’s sevens team, with Diluksha Dange named vice-captain. The appointments signal a transition in leadership as Sri Lanka seeks to strengthen its competitiveness in the Asian rugby sevens arena while creating opportunities for the next generation of players.
Sooriyabandara’s decision to relinquish the captaincy reflects his intention to provide younger players with greater opportunities to assume responsibility within the national setup. His departure from the leadership role, however, does not necessarily mark the end of his playing career.
Sooriyabandara: An Enduring Figure in Sri Lankan Rugby
Widely known as “Soori”, Srinath Sooriyabandara has been one of the most experienced and influential figures in Sri Lankan rugby sevens. His international career spans approximately 16 years, during which he has represented the country in both the 15-a-side and sevens formats.
A product of Isipathana College, Sooriyabandara began his senior club career with CR & FC in 2009 before moving through the Up Country Lions and Navy Sports Club. He subsequently established himself as a key player for Kandy Sports Club, becoming recognised for his speed, agility, tactical awareness and ability to influence matches from the scrum-half position.
His versatility has also enabled him to operate at fly-half and full-back, making him a valuable asset in different tactical situations.
Sooriyabandara became a regular member of the national sevens team from 2010 and was appointed captain ahead of the 2018 Asia Rugby Sevens Series. He later resumed the leadership role ahead of major international assignments, including the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games.
One of the notable milestones of his career came at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where Sri Lanka won the Shield Championship in rugby sevens. In 2026, he continued to lead the national team through its international preparations, including the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series and the Howard Hinton Sevens Tournament in France, where Sri Lanka secured the Shield title.
His experience, commitment and understanding of the demands of international rugby have made him an important figure in Sri Lanka’s efforts to remain competitive against stronger Asian opponents.
Janidu Dilshan: Experience Meets New Responsibility
The appointment of Janidu Dilshan represents a natural progression for a player who has already experienced the demands of international rugby and leadership at club level.
A former Royal College Colombo player, Dilshan was part of the school’s successful rugby teams that won the league championship in 2017 and 2018, including the unbeaten league-winning side of 2018. His performances at school level helped establish his reputation as a talented and dynamic back.
He subsequently represented Sri Lanka in rugby sevens between 2019 and 2021 and continued to develop his career through domestic club rugby. Dilshan has represented CR & FC and CH & FC, becoming captain of the latter for the 2024/25 season.
His experience as a national player and club captain provides a strong foundation for his new responsibility. Known for his attacking ability, speed and capacity to exploit space, he offers qualities suited to the fast-paced nature of sevens rugby.
Dilshan was also named vice-captain when Sooriyabandara led Sri Lanka at the 2026 CASA Sevens tournament in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, highlighting the confidence placed in him as a future leader.
His appointment now gives him the opportunity to build on that experience and guide a squad combining established campaigners with emerging talent.
Diluksha Dange Takes on Deputy Role
Diluksha Dange’s appointment as vice-captain adds another experienced domestic performer to the team’s leadership structure.
A product of Trinity College, Dange has represented Kandy Sports Club and has experience in both sevens and 15-a-side rugby. His rugby background includes representing Sri Lanka at under-18 level in sevens and at under-20 level in the 15-a-side format.
Primarily associated with the wing and other backline roles, Dange brings pace, mobility and attacking potential to the national setup. His familiarity with the demands of club rugby and international competition should prove valuable as he supports Dilshan in managing the team on and off the field.
Dange has also been part of Sri Lanka’s recent international campaigns, including the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series and preparations for the Asian Games. His elevation to vice-captaincy provides an opportunity to expand his leadership responsibilities while continuing to contribute on the field.
A New Chapter for Sri Lanka Sevens
The change in leadership comes at an important stage for Sri Lankan rugby, with the national team seeking greater consistency against the leading sevens nations in Asia.
The challenge for Dilshan and Dange will be to maintain the standards established by experienced players while developing a team capable of competing with greater confidence and tactical discipline. The speed of sevens rugby places considerable demands on decision-making, fitness, communication and defensive organisation, making effective leadership particularly important.
For Sri Lanka Rugby, the transition also presents an opportunity to strengthen its succession planning and prepare younger players for future international assignments.
Sooriyabandara’s contribution provides a significant foundation for the incoming leadership. As Dilshan assumes the captaincy, the focus will turn towards building a cohesive unit that can translate individual talent into consistent team performances.
With Dilshan leading and Dange serving as his deputy, Sri Lanka will hope to begin a promising new phase in its rugby sevens journey while continuing to benefit from the experience of its senior campaigners.
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