Born in Vadukodai, Jaffna on May 21, 1925, Summa Navaratnam became a sporting icon of Royal College and a legend of Sri Lanka Rugby where he won international recognition for his athleticism and rugby skills.
He also won the hearts of the Sri Lankan Rugby fraternity as a father-like figure in rugby administration, coaching and mentoring during five decades of yeoman service.
‘Summa’ came to the limelight during the 1930s and 40’s as a schoolboy, breaking records at Royal College in Athletics, Boxing and Rugby. First, as a teen, he won College Boxing colours at the age of 14, Athletics colours at the age of 15 and then Rugby colours at the age of 16.
He was a member of the 1941 Royal 1st XV, which beat Trinity College for the first time under Minoo Jilla. Then in 1943, Summa was in the team that defeated Trinity in two matches for the first time, playing a key role in the second leg’s victory.
Summa soon joined CR & FC as their ‘star’ wing three-quarter in 1947, the start of a legacy that spanned over 75 years at the Longden Place Club as a player, captain, coach, administrator and President par excellence.
In 1950, Summa played for the All Ceylon XV against the touring British Lions XV, one of only three Lankans to play in an otherwise ‘all-white’ team.
While on the athletics fields, he scattered the sprigs of grass on the turf with his brilliant sprints, to smash many Sri Lanka and Asian athletics records.
In 1953, Summa was dubbed the ‘Fastest Man in Asia’. As a rugby coach, he produced some of the finest players in clubs and schools. He was a keen follower of the game and a willing contributor, advisor, and mentor for players, coaches, and rugby administrators alike.
He rarely missed a rugby encounter, be it Royal, CR or Sri Lanka and loved the company of his ardent students, whom he was always surrounded by. He kept himself busy even into his 90’s, training kids under his academy, which he enjoyed, but was forced to skip when his age finally caught up.
Known as a man of impeccable character and integrity who believed ‘right is might’. His judgment on many issues was precise, candid and purpose-driven, as he was himself.
Summa passed away on October 19, 2023, at the age of 98. Summa was one of the greatest and finest sporting personalities Sri Lanka has ever produced.
Thank you, Summa, for your unstinted service, contribution to sports and for instilling high standards and discipline among sportsmen. May your legacy last forever!
Royal College Rugby Circle
