Beeshma Manodhya Jayasekera commenced his rugby career at the age of eight and represented St. Joseph’s College in all age groups from junior to senior level.
He started off as a centre and switched to a fly-half while rugby runs in the family bloodline.
His father’s uncle is the former crack Sri Lanka centre HK Sisira who also captained the Navy team while his father’s cousin Navin Henakankanamage captained S. Thomas’ College and later represented Sri Lanka.
Beeshma’s father Dr. Dilum Jayasekera represented St Joseph’s College as a center from 1991-1993.
“Coming from a rugby family I would say it is in my blood,” said Beeshma in an interview with the Sunday Observer.
He has already captained the Under-14 and Under-16 teams of St. Joseph’s and has much to look forward to.
Excerpts of the interview:
Q: Describe yourself in one word?
Energetic
Q: Any words or phrases you overuse?
What’s up bro!
Q: What is your most marked characteristic?
Humour
Q: If you could edit your past, what would you change?
Nothing
Q: What is the most important thing in your life?
Family
Q: Who has influenced you the most?
My family and my cousin Naveen Henakankanamge
Q: Are you fashionable?
Yes
Q: If you had access to a time machine what would you change?
Some mistakes I’ve made in the field of play during matches
Q: What motivates you in your life?
The challenges I face everyday
Q: If you could choose any career right now, what would it be?
Aviation
Q: What forms of music do you listen to?
Pop, Rock and Sinhala 70s, especially Clarence Wijewardena and Annesly Malewena songs
Q: What’s the best thing you would like to hear from someone?
That I played very well in a match
Q. What made you to choose sports?
Coming from a rugby family I would say it was in my blood
Q. Thus far what was your most unforgettable sporting incident?
Scoring back to back tries against DS Senanayeka College this year
Q. What’s your best school sporting achievement?
Winning the Under-14 All Island Championship in 2018
Q: What is your idea of happiness?
A life with less problems
Q: What is it that you like most in others?
Kindness and humour
Q: What has been your biggest disappointment?
Not being able to win the U-18 Sevens tournament this year and the schools League this year
Q: What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
No matter what challenges you may face, never give up