‘Jupana’ now a life member of the SLRFU
View(s):Brig. J.P.A. Jayawardena was made a Life Member of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union at its Annual General Meeting 2014 in appreciation for his lifelong dedication towards the development of Rugby in Sri Lanka.
Brig. Japana Jayawardena was awarded the Trinity Lion during first year he played rugby as scrum half in 1966. His stand off at Trinity and Havelocks was the effervescent Glen Vanlangenberg.
Brig. Jupana Jayawardena
He has represented the Havelock SC, Army SC Rugby, Defence Services and Sri Lanka National teams and has participated in International and Local tournaments. He also captained the Sri Lanka Army Rugby and Defence services teams.
Brig. Jayawardene, who has undergone special training as a Rugby coach in England, Wales and in New Zealand, has served as a rugby coach to the Sri Lanka, Army and Defence Services Rugby teams and has endeavoured to promote rugby within security forces. He has been the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union. He has also served as the Chairman to the National Selectors Committee.
Being a member of the Sri Lanka Rugby Referees Association, Brig. Jayawardena was President of the Association. He also initiated the formation of the Central Provincial Referees Society and functioned as its founder president. He was a pioneer in introducing women’s rugby to Sri Lanka and promoted rugby in the Anuradhapura district, which is now a fully pledged provincial Rugby Union.
He was also honoured with Trinity Award for Sports in 2013 for his contribution to rugby football to the school and the country as a whole.
Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union has awarded him with this life membership in appreciation of the yeoman services rendered by him as a rugby player, administrator, a referee, coach and the Chairman to the National Selectors Committee spanning over 45 years.