“To get through the hardest journey we need to take one step at a time but we need to keep stepping.” This is a quote I read somewhere some time ago. The Rugby big Dads in the world I believe have seen a journey ahead for rugby in Asia. Rugby is a game that is gaining fast popularity and if spread can have a huge following. The population in this region is big with the numbers in Asia, particularly in India and China. The future is bright.

Last year New Zealand played Australia for the Bledisloe Cup in ‘neutral’ Hong Kong and it is played in Japan this year. These tests are played among giants not because the intensity requires a neutral ground but because of the need to harness these venues to build on the popularity the game is enjoying.

With the game being a recognized Olympic Sport it is necessary now to have more and more countries interested in the game. In Asia we see the tournaments being reorganized with a Five Nation tournament for the top teams and many sevens games recognized by the authorities as Asian circuit games. Additionally we have the Hong Kong and Dubai Sevens which are popular IRB events played by the elite rugby playing nations. At present Japan is the only country from Asia who plays among the giants. Though falling below the great rugby playing nations they are far ahead of the best in Asia. Thus they too do not have the competition they need if they are to go ahead in the world.

While all else are getting organized in rugby we are now in the midst of a possible rebirth in the hands of the rugby Interim Body. The good news is that the President of the Interim Body has gone on record saying that the Annual General Meeting will be held in January and a new committee will take office. Whether it is a new council and or the same people in new clothing that will seek office what rugby in Sri Lanka needs at the moment are for people who look into the future to be in charge if rugby. What is needed is for those in office as an elected council or as an interim to take that step and to keep on stepping. Many today feel that what has been taken has not been a step ahead but getting back in time.

I say this as in the recent past there has been very little attempt to look at rugby and its future as happened when all stakeholders met and had a brain storming session. That was the vision plan unveiled in 2006 during the Presidency of Priyantha Ekanayake. In recent times the preoccupation in looking forward has been with the amendments to the constitution of which the final should be out for the elections to be held.

We have in the meantime seen many statements made and reported in the newspapers where there has been more said on the process than planning for an outcome to meet the challenges ahead. The issues which have never seen an end are mostly insinuations that get space and attract attention. Possibly to some who like to be seen and or read about themselves even if nobody else will gain anything out of the whole issue? It has been about accounts, a trip or a cup if not selections and or a court case that has been news. What has all these done to fit the Sri Lankan game to the changing world of rugby. Hong Kong has had its sevens and so has Dubai. The money they earn from these events have and will contribute to the game and to the region .These two countries have in the past sent referees to Sri Lanka and or invited referees from Sri Lanka as their partners in progress they spend what they earn for the development of the game in Asia.

While we have been part and parcel of rugby in Asia the irritants have taken precedence and the continuing battle with the referees is another big issue that has taken precedence while the outcome is of little consequence.

In the midst of the confusion the revenue department has called on the Referees Society for payment of VAT and to attend an inquiry. It seems apparent that somebody did inform the department that the society has collected money for providing the services of referees. Who would want to do that is the question? What could be the reaction if and when the referee’s society registers as a VAT Payee? If the society says they are providing its services to the Union, The Provinces and or The Schools and they need their VAT Registration to give a VAT Invoice will they too be liable to pay VAT on all they collect including sponsorship fees and the grants it receives. Will they come under mutual concerns such as clubs, associations, or organizations which provide its services for subscription or other consideration? Has somebody opened a can of worms that all sport bodies will have to take note of. That is the way to go forward; report your kith and kin.

Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB