Sri Lanka Rugby paid tribute to two outstanding servants of the game, Srinath Sooriyabandara (Soori) and Sandeeka Hemakumari, as both brought the curtain down on remarkable international careers spanning 18 years each.
The two stalwarts were felicitated at a ceremony held at a leading hotel in Colombo recently by Sri Lanka Rugby, marking the end of distinguished careers that saw them serve Sri Lanka with commitment, passion and pride.
Sooriyabandara, who represented Sri Lanka from 2009 to 2026, began his career as a winger before legendary coach Hisham Abdeen converted him into a nippy and effective scrum-half. After making his mark at Isipathana College, Soori went on to represent CR and FC, Up-Country Lions and Kandy Sports Club.
A specialist in the sevens format, Soori represented Sri Lanka in both sevens and fifteens, while also earning the honour of captaining the national team. He was also the only Sri Lankan player selected to play in the Indian Rugby League alongside some of the world’s leading rugby players.
Following his retirement from international rugby, Soori is expected to return to his alma mater, Isipathana College, in a coaching capacity, opening a new chapter in his long association with the sport.
Hemakumari’s journey is equally inspiring, built on extraordinary commitment and sacrifice. Starting her rugby career in Avissawella, she regularly made four-hour return journeys to Colombo simply to attend training sessions.
A prolific sevens player, Hemakumari enjoyed an outstanding final club segment, scoring 22 tries to emerge as its leading try-scorer. Despite receiving lucrative offers to continue her career in Hong Kong and the UAE, she chose to remain committed to representing Sri Lanka.
Their retirement marks the end of an important chapter in Sri Lankan rugby, with Soori and Hemakumari leaving behind careers defined not only by their performances on the field but also by their dedication to the national jersey.
Sri Lanka Rugby’s felicitation served as a fitting tribute to two players who gave nearly two decades of their lives to the game and to their country.