AFI Corp, a Sri Lanka-based international talent solutions and technology services provider announced its official sponsorship of Summa Rugby, the rugby team of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College, Kandy, as it competes in the A-division of the 2025 Inter-Schools Rugby Season.
The Summa Rugby team is powered by Summa Rugby Integration, a non-profit founded by school alumni. Its mission is to elevate the standard of rugby at the college by developing a high-performing team that competes at the highest levels of Sri Lankan school rugby.
The momentous partnership between AFI Corp and Summa Rugby Integration signals the company’s dedication to nurturing raw talent, advancing equality in school sports and supporting the next generation of Sri Lankan rugby players.
Founded in 1879 as St. Paul’s—originally a junior school of Trinity College – Wariyapola Sri Sumangala College was later renamed in honour of Wariyapola Sri Sumangala Thero, a revered monk and national hero, who played a pivotal role in resisting British colonial rule in the 19th century.
One of the oldest boys’ schools in Kandy, today, it serves a diverse student body, emphasising academic excellence, cultural heritage and athletic development.
Having begun in 1990, rugby has become an integral part of Sumangala College’s identity over the past two decades. Despite its underdog status, the team has continued to work hard and earn the attention and respect of national fans and analysts alike. Over the years, Summa Rugby has earned a reputation for bold, fearless gameplay and cohesive team spirit.
“This partnership has re-energised the rugby ecosystem at Sri Sumangala College,” said Principal of Sri Sumangala College, Deshappriya Rathnayake.
“Our mission has always been to harness the natural talent of our players and guide them to the highest levels of national achievement. With support from AFI Corp, we are now better equipped to train, compete and dream bigger.”
For the 2025 season, the team is being captained by powerhouse Adithya Rathnayake, with Ifky Hameed and Yasiru Thiwanka as Co-Vice-Captains. The team is trained by First XV Head/Forward Coach Malith Hettiarachchi, First XV Backs Coach Asanka Perera, First XV Assistant/Under-16 Head Coach Anush Kolonne and Trainer Mohan de Alwis.
“At AFI Corp, we believe in unlocking human potential, be it in school sports, underserved communities or at the workplace,” said Rikaza Hassan, Head of Communications at AFI Corp.
“Our sponsorship of Summa Rugby is more than about supporting a deserving and talented team of athletes and their school but investing in a generation of young people who will grow up to lead our communities with purpose and inspire younger generations to follow in their footsteps and carry the torch forward.”
AFI Corp’s sponsorship of Summa Rugby follows in the spirit of its flagship corporate social responsibility initiative, AFI Cares. Rooted in the company’s commitment to making a positive impact on society and aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), AFI Cares focuses on creating opportunities for communities to thrive.
“This is more than just a sponsorship. It’s a partnership based on mutual respect and a shared vision for the future,” said AFI Corp CEO Rimaz Marzook.
“We hope our example inspires more companies in the private sector to step in and support school sports in meaningful and sustained ways.”
As the 2025 Inter-Schools rugby season kicks-off with the President’s Trophy Knock-Out Tournament, all eyes are on the Summa Rugby team – not just for their athletic prowess, but for what they represent: The possibility of progress when corporate purpose meets community passion.
