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SLRFU retracts and exonerates Marikkar and Ravindu
By Harry Jayachandra
All hail Ceasar. Or as is the case here, all hail the Appeal Board. Headed by Gamini Fernando and comprising Lionel Almeida, Anton Benedict and Dr. Maiya Gunasekera, the Board decided to correct what many rugby pundits felt was an injustice done to Inthi Marikkar and Ravindu Athukorale. Their decision to exonerate 'with retrospective effect' Marikkar and Athukorale was upheld by the SLRFU at special meeting held on Friday evening.

In addition their recommendation to reinstate Marikkar as Assistant Coach was also upheld. When the Sunday Times spoke to Marikkar he said; "I have not received any letter from the SLRFU. Therefore I cannot comment on what decision I will take." According to the Honorary Secretary of the SLRFU Fazal Mohommad,the letters to Athukorale and Marikkar will be sent by tomorrow.

In other developments, the SLRFU has also decided to try and bring back George Simpkin as coach. "We want Simpkin as coach. He has done a wonderful job and we want him back," said Mohommad. Simpkin when contacted by the Sunday times said; " I am meeting some people later today (Saturday) and you will know my decision by Monday."

Meanwhile the Sri Lankan team who were invited to the Hong Kong Sevens after three years were involved in a massive breach of protocol reliable sources informed The Sunday Times. According to the sources only three junior players and the coach attended the felicitation dinner that was held after the tournament. For reasons that can only lead to speculation, Manager Jude Pillai, Nalaka Weerakkody, Sanjeewa Jayasinghe amongst others boycotted the dinner. "We have not got the managers report. But rest assured that something will be done. Beyond that I cannot comment," said Mohommad when asked as to what action if any would be taken. One also has to keep in mind that Weerakkody is on a two year suspended sentence.

After all the bad tidings there is some good news for Sri Lankan rugby fans. A much more competitive league competition is expected this year. There is also the Western Province knockout tournament for Colombo scheduled to be held between April 30 and May 12. Two Rugby internationals are on the cards and the season culminates with the Rugby Asiad. If these unbecoming off the field incidents can be resolved by Priyantha Ekanayake, Dilroy Fernando and their team, there will be indeed a lot to look forward to for all rugby lovers.

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