Lewke steps in uncontested as Jayasekera pulls out

“Western Province clubs will have to reach a consensus and then submit its proposals to the Union. I do agree that Western Province should have more votes at the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union Annual General Meeting as they have more ‘A’ Division Clubs,” said the new president of the Union Nimal Lewke after he was elected the new SLRFU boss at its AGM, yesterday.

Lewke stressed that his focus will be to take Sri Lankan Rugby to what he calls “the next level.” This he intends doing by sending players overseas. He mentioned that three players from Kandy would be leaving for New Zealand next week. He added that Lankans Sevens skipper Sanjeewa Jayasinghe would be turning out for Taranaki Sports Club

The new president went onto to say that he would also be looking at sending coaches and referees overseas for training as Rugby has become more scientific and tactical. He added that development of the under 19 squad would also be a priority as he did not see any reason why the Lankan juniors could be the best in Asia.

The annual AGM started in controversial fashion with Central Province in general and Isfan Omar in particular being at the centre of what if it was not tragic would have been comic. Omar brought forward a letter signed by himself and Viper Guneratne citing the former as the official representative. Omar did have in his possession an email from President of Central Province Mohan Samarakoon stating that meeting to select nominees could be held on the 29th of December. However Samarakoon had requested a postponement as he could not get a flight back. However the meeting had gone ahead with Guneratne acting as the acting president. Chaos reigned Guneratne was not present and the nomination required the president’s signature. Samarakoon then stepped in. He said: “Rugby must be the winner. Thus though I have not seen the letter I will sign it.” Then the meeting got under way. Both Samarakoon and Micheal Jayasekera withdrew from the race. This paved the way for Lewke to be elected as president and Asanga Seneviratne as vice president. Fazal Mohommad was elected as secretary while Sunil Karunanayake holds on to his post as treasurer.

The council will comprise of Arjun Dharmadasa, Roshan Deen, Christopher Jordache Wing Commander Sanjay Fernando, Rizvi Illiyas, Captain N. Nanayakkara and Lieutenant Sunil Ranasinghe. One member namely Y.C. Chang was added to the appeal board which al;ready comprises of Dr. Maiya Gunewsekera, Anton Benedict, Lionel Almeida and Gamini Fernando.

The new President also addressed two crucial issues. The feeder system to national team has been hampered by outstanding school boy players giving up the game due to financial and employment reasons. Lewke said that he has already made arrangements with banks and private organizations to provide employment and also enable good players to continue in the game. With regard to the Asiad he said: Since I am Commander of the STF we are involved in this years cricket World Cup. Thus we will have more of a say when the security issue arises with regard to the Asiad. Meanwhile out going President Priyantha Ekanayake said that the International Rugby Board will give Rs. 13 million for the development of game. He added that it was unique in that Sri Lanka was only one of two countries to whom the IRB has increased its grant.

Meanwhile the biggest surprise at the meeting was sprung by Micheal Jayasekera who withdrew from the election at the eleventh hour. Below The Sunday Times exclusively publishes excerpts of the letter he tabled to the Council.