Nilantha Lakshmiwewa - a great rugby player

Today marks the fifth death anniversary of a promising ruggerite Nilantha Mahanama Lakshmiwewa - a former National and Police ruggerite.

He wad 32 years old when death took hold of him and thereby his sports career.

He had a an outstanding sports career, excelling in rugby football. In 1987 as a schoolboy he represented Sri Lanka at the Wales International Tournament.

He first was a student of Isipathana College and started off as a junior cricketer and later shifted his interest to rugby football, captaining the age groups teams and then captaining Isipathana's first fifteen team. He also continued his interest in cricket and played upto the first eleven.

After leaving school, he joined Sri Lanka Air Force, but shifted over to Police in order to continue his interest in rugby football until his untimely death.

He was a centre three-quarter and played for the police in many tournaments.

Later he concentrated in his studies and obtained a special degree in Political Science from the University of New Delhi and a general pass from the Sri Jayawardenapura University.

He was affectionately known to all as Neila and was a much loved by his family fans and friends.