LONGDEN PLACE, Colombo, July 15, (ePRESS) – Colombo’s famous CR and FC have named former Science College captain and Sri Lanka number eight Lasindu Ishan Karunathilaka as their new leader in a timely and exciting move ahead of the 2025/2026 Inter-Club Rugby Season,. Rugby fans and experts alike believe this bold appointment could signal the beginning of another successful chapter for the Red Shirts.
Lasindu, one of the country’s finest number eights, first made headlines as a schoolboy when he guided Science College to a famous win over Isipathana College in the final of the 2015 MILO Trophy Knockout Rugby Tournament — one of the most thrilling and unforgettable school rugby finals in school career.
After a strong school career, Lasindu moved on to represent Havelock Sports Club before making his way to CR and FC in 2022. Since joining the Longden Place club, his powerful runs, hard tackles, and inspiring presence have made him a crowd favourite and a key part of the Red Shirts’ forward pack.
The year 2024 marked a major breakthrough for both Lasindu and CR and FC, as they clinched the coveted Dialog Inter-Club Rugby League title, ending a long drought. It was a proud moment for the club and a clear result of the steady rebuilding process led by CR and FC President Tikiri Ellepola.
Under Tikiri Ellepola’s dynamic leadership, CR and FC have enjoyed one of their most successful periods in recent history. The Red Shirts not only captured the 2024 League title but also reached the final of the Clifford Cup Knockout Tournament, narrowly missing out to Kandy SC in a tense battle. The club’s consistent top-three finishes in the league and deep runs in major tournaments reflect a well-planned revival strategy overseen by Ellepola.
President Tikiri Ellepola has been a driving force behind the club’s recent rise. From improving training facilities and recruiting top talent to enhancing youth development programs, his vision has transformed CR and FC into a formidable force once again in Sri Lankan rugby.
“Our aim is not only to win trophies but to build a strong, disciplined, and respected team that represents the proud history of this club,” Ellepola said. “Lasindu is a leader with great character and ability, and I believe he’s the perfect choice to guide us into this next phase.”
Lasindu’s contributions extended beyond the club scene last season, earning a place in the Sri Lanka team for the Asia Rugby Series and representing the national XV in the Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship. Despite the national team’s tough campaign against South Korea, Hong Kong, and the UAE, Lasindu’s work rate and commitment stood out on the international stage.
With CR and FC finishing third in the 2024/2025 A Division League and as runners-up in the Clifford Cup, the club is eager to return to the top under Lasindu’s leadership next season. Rugby followers believe the Red Shirts have a genuine chance to regain the League title they won in 2024 and challenge for other silverware as well.
Lasindu, speaking after his appointment, expressed his determination. “I am honoured to lead this great club. We have a proud history and passionate supporters. Under Mr Ellepola’s leadership, the club has already achieved so much, and I am ready to fight hard to take us to even greater heights,” he said.
With a successful foundation laid by Tikiri Ellepola and the appointment of a strong, young leader in Lasindu Ishan Karunathilaka, CR and FC appear well-positioned to reclaim their place at the top of Sri Lankan club rugby.
