Hundreds mourn Sajith's passing away

by Hafiz Marikar

Hundreds of mourners paid their last respects to talented sportsman Sajith Malikarachchi who died on Sunday and was buried on Wednesday amidst a large gathering. He was a great product of Isipathana College and at the time of his demise was 37 years old .

Young Sajith had been an adorable sportsman whose cheerful smile filled the hearts of others with joy. One of his friends said: "You could have one of those disappointing days ,but as soon as you see his million-dollar smile, it enlivens you and everything around you.

It was shocking news for the rugby loving people in the country following the sudden death of former Kandy Sports Club , Sri Lanka Rugby Captain and former National Selection Committee Member Sajith Mallikarachchi.

The late Mallikarachchie was an outstanding player who represented Sri Lanka from 1998- 2007 in both formats - XV-a-side and Sevens. He was a gutty and utility player who could play either as a stand off or as centre three quarter.

He led the Sri Lanka team in 2005 for the World Cup Qualifier and also the Sevens Team for the Hong Kong and Dubai Sevens. Sajith represented Isipathana from the Under-13 age group and won a place in a highly competetive First XV and in 1996 and 1997 as a schoolboy he played for Petersons S.C.

In 1998, he played for CR and FC, and the following year he joined Kandy Sports Club. and played for Kandy from 1999 to 2006. He led the Kandy SC Team in 2003 and 2006 to win the League and Clifford Cup knock-out Championships. Before hanging up his boots he also played for the CH and FC from 2007 to 2009.

- Everyone admired his passion for the game. He will be sadly missed but will always be remembered for his heroics in the field of rugby.