Lankan ruggerite tested positive

By Harry Jayachandra

CR and FC’s flanker Kasun De Silva has allegedly tested positive for a banned substance informed sources told The Sunday Times. De Silva was tested along with two others as part of the random testing done under the supervision of the International Rugby Board at the recently concluded Asiad in Sri Lanka.

Silva and his club now have to submit a letter of explanation to the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) who in turn has to send it to the IRB. If De Silva is found guilty, the IRB under the World Anti Doping Agency Convention, could suspend the player for a minimum of six months.

When contacted by this reporter, De Silva declined to comment instead suggesting that the CEO or President of the SLRFU should be contacted. Both the two individuals declined to comment.

Sports Physician Dr. Seevali Jayawickrema who was coordinating the dope tests along with Tim Rickkets who is the manager of the IRB for anti doping refused to comment on whether a Sri Lankan had tested positive.

Sources added that all the details could not be disclosed until all the papers had been submitted to the IRB and the IRB in turn had sent its decision.

As with any sport even once the verdict is handed out, the sports person found guilty can ask for a ‘B’ sample to be taken. Essentially when a sample is taken, it is separated in to two containers. Thus a ‘B’ sample means that another test will be done. And as a last resort an appeal can be lodged by the player concerned.

It is also learnt that Ventolin has been ruled out as the banned substance because a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) certificate for the player concerned, was handed over to the authorities. And perhaps more importantly even if the player is found guilty Sri Lanka’s position as runners up at the Asiad will not be affected in any way.