The fixture is more than a rugby match — it is a celebration of two institutions that have shaped Sri Lankan education and sports, underpinned by a shared commitment to discipline, teamwork, and leadership.
The Alles Cup honours the legacy of the late R. I. T. Alles, the founding principal of D. S. Senanayake College and a distinguished old boy of St. Anthony’s College.
A visionary educationist, Mr. Alles established D. S. Senanayake College in 1967 with the mission of creating a learning environment that balanced academic excellence with extracurricular achievement.
Under his guidance, the school embraced rugby in 1976, planting the seeds for a program that would go on to flourish for decades.
As the school prepares to mark the 50th anniversary of DS Rugby in 2026, the timing of the Alles Cup is both symbolic and celebratory.
The team’s recent resurgence — including their triple championship win in 2022 and a return to the A Division in 2023 — stands as a testament to the strength of that founding vision.
“The Alles Cup is not just about honouring a founder.
It is about celebrating what he stood for, a belief in producing all-rounded individuals, and in using sport as a platform to shape future leaders,” said Mr. Sampath Weragoda, Principal of D. S. Senanayake College.
“The success of this vision is evident in the way the sport has evolved within the College, with several of our players having gone on to represent Sri Lanka at the national level, which indicates the strength and progression of rugby at D. S.” he added.
Their opponents, St. Anthony’s College, Kandy, bring with them a storied rugby legacy that dates back to 1956, with significant growth in the 1960s and a landmark victory as Schools Rugby League Champions in 2001.
The school has also produced some of Sri Lanka’s most recognised rugby names, including Priyantha Ekanayake (widely regarded as the greatest Sri Lankan No. 8 player, former national captain, and current Chairman of the Sri Lanka Sports Council), L. V. Ekanayake, Pradeep Liyanage, Danushka Dayan, Imran Bisthamin, Leroy Fonseka, Malith Silva, Nihal “Viper” Gunaratne, Dinuk Amarasighe, and Samuel Maduwantha — all of whom have left a lasting impact on the sport nationally.
“This encounter is special. It brings together two schools with deep respect for tradition and a strong rugby ethos.
We welcome this occasion with pride and look forward to a spirited contest that reflects the very best of school rugby,” said Reverend Father Henry Bernard Wijeratne (OSB), Rector of St. Anthony’s College,Kandy.
Every aspect of this inaugural fixture has been meticulously curated, from the organizing to the presentation, to reflect the stature and significance of the event.
At the heart of it all stands the Alles Cup trophy, a uniquely crafted symbol of excellence and heritage.
Thoughtfully designed and expertly sculpted by renowned Art Sculpturer Sanjaya Geekiyanage, the trophy embodies the enduring values, pride and legacy that this encounter represents.
As part of the day's programme, the Under-16 match will also be contested for the Madura Wickramaratne Trophy, in honour of a distinguished old boy of D. S. Senanayake College who contributed immensely to school rugby and sports development.
The Alles Cup main encounter will take place on Friday, 6th June 2025, at the Nittawela Rugby Stadium in Kandy, marking the beginning of what is expected to become a celebrated annual tradition.
The Alles Cup will not only reignite a competitive rivalry but also spotlight the values of camaraderie, resilience, and mutual respect that define both institutions.
With two passionate rugby communities, loyal alumni, and rising young talent on both sides, this inaugural fixture promises to be a fitting tribute to heritage, unity, and the enduring power of sport.
