Rugby legend Priyantha Ekanayake heads National Sports Council

Sri Lanka’s rugby icon Priyantha Ekanayake, a double international and former all-around sports star from St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, has been appointed Chairman of the National Sports Council (NSC). Ekanayake, who previously served on the Council in 2019, brings a wealth of experience to his new role.

Ekanayake is one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated rugby players, having represented CH & FC, captained CR & FC, Kandy Sports Club and the national team as a second row forward and number 8. He is the only player to have captained Sri Lanka in four consecutive Rugby Asiads from 1989 to 1992. He also represented the nation at the Hong Kong Sevens during the same period.

His career highlights including captaining the Asian Barbarians, an elite invitation team featuring top players from across Asia.

He represented Sri Lanka at the 7th Asian Basketball Championship in Seoul, South Korea, and earned a coaching diploma from Korea. Though he initially shined as a fast bowler in cricket, he ultimately dedicated himself to rugby.

Ekanayake served as President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) and the Asian Rugby Football Union in 2006 and later as CEO in 2016.

Source:Daily News