Dons and Eagles inaugurate ‘Alles Cup’
View(s):This year marks the beginning of a new rugby tradition for D.S. Senanayake College, Colombo, and St. Anthony’s College, Katugastota, as they face off in the inaugural ‘Alles Cup’ encounter, scheduled for June 6 at Nittawela. The fixture, named in honour of the late R.I.T. Alles—founding principal of D.S. Senanayake and a distinguished old boy of St. Anthony’s—aims to celebrate his legacy in education and sport by fostering friendly competition between the two schools.
“In tribute to this remarkable legacy, we propose the launch of the Alles Cup, an annual prescriptive rugby encounter that will serve as a lasting symbol of his contribution to both schools and to the country,” said Imzeth Faleel, Chairman of the Rugby Development Foundation at D.S. Senanayake College.
“These matches are more than competition. It is a celebration of unity, brotherhood, and it values what both schools stand for. With St. Anthony’s boasting a proud rugby tradition since 1956, and D.S. Senanayake heading towards 50 years of rugby in 2026, this initiative comes at a truly historic time,” Faleel added.
As a curtain-raiser, the Under-16 teams from both schools will battle it out for the ‘Madura Wickramaratne Trophy’, named after the late D.S. Senanayake alumnus known for his significant contributions to promoting school rugby. The Alles Cup, unveiled in Colombo last Tuesday, was designed by renowned sculptor Sanjaya Geekiyanage and crafted entirely in copper. On the same day, the ‘Wickramaratne Trophy’, on offer for the Under-16s winner, was also revealed.
“We commence the U-20 Alles Cup and the U-16 Wickramaratne Trophy with the hope of building a lasting legacy. I believe the DS-Anthony’s tournament has the potential to become the most significant rugby fixture in the years to come,” Principal of D.S. Senanayake, Sampath Weragoda said.
St. Anthony’s, with a rugby heritage that dates back to 1956, boasts a proud history that includes a Schools Rugby League title in 2001 and a contributor of talents to the national level. D.S. Senanayake, meanwhile, introduced the sport in 1976 under the guidance of Mr. R.I.T. Alles has since built a competitive programme, achieving a triple championship season in 2022 and a return to the Division ‘A’ in 2023. DSS Rugby prepares to celebrate its 50th year in 2026.
Adding to the occasion was Dr. Harsha Alles, son of the late R.I.T. Alles, who spoke of his father’s ties to both institutions, sharing an anecdote from his father’s schooldays at St. Anthony’s. Recalling a moment that would unknowingly shape his father’s sporting journey, he said, “The interest in sport, that seed had been planted at St. Anthony’s.”
It began when a young R.I.T. Alles, clad in nothing more than a pair of prison-style shorts, was pulled from a casual game of billiards to fill in for the one-mile race during the college sports meet. Despite his protests, he ran the race — finishing victoriously, collapsing at the finish line, and later going on to become a provincial runner and public schools record-holder.
“It’s my sincere hope that this encounter will become a shining example for all the schools, because rugby is a great sport, but sometimes that greatness is shattered by unfortunate incidents that happen, especially in the school sector, and every now and then we hear some sad stories. But let this encounter be an example, and let both schools be an example to all schools of Sri Lanka,” Dr. Alles said, urging players to uphold the best traditions of sportsmanship.
The Under-16 fixture also carries its own legacy, with the Wickramaratne Trophy honouring Late David Wickramaratne, a key advocate for school rugby and known for his contributions to the growth of Towson Rugby overseas. Representing St. Anthony’s at the launch event, Rev. Fr. Joseph Michael, the school’s Sports Coordinator, conveyed the blessings of Principal Rector Rev. Fr. Henry Bernard Wijeratne.
“As we are starting this encounter, let’s go a long way, because these two schools have come a long way, making history. We are also ready to make new history in the coming years. So as DSS is improving in their rugby, whether win or lose, we will be with you. We are not calling for victory, nor are we calling for defeat. But it is the bond that we nurture here, and it will go on through generations to come.” Rev. Fr. Joseph Michael said.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the two institutions to formalise the annual nature of the fixture, with hosting duties alternating each year.
“It is vital to recognise the pivotal role that sports play in shaping an individual’s character. Participation in sports not only fosters physical strength but also instils essential values such as teamwork, discipline, and resilience. These qualities are fundamental for personal growth and development, impacting our lives both on and off the field,” said Lakmal Mudalige of the Antonian Rugby Wing.
As the Alles Cup prepares to kick off this historic chapter, hopes are high that it will grow into one of Sri Lanka’s most respected school rugby fixtures—celebrating not just rivalry, but unity, values, and the power of a shared legacy.