Sri Lanka Rugby: Unresolved passport fraud and financial mismanagement demand investigation
Several issues pertaining from financial mismanagement and the violation of the country’s Immigration and Emigration Act committed during the tenure of former Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Presidents Asanga Seneviratne and Lasitha Gunaratne even though officially reported to the Ministry of Sports appointed Ombudsman continue to remain cold.
This was the first case brought up after the appointment of the Ombudsman, appointed by the then Minister of Sports Harin Fernando. Seneviratne led SLR from 2012 to 2018 followed by Gunaratne’s tenure from 2018 to 2020, while then SLR officials Nalin de Silva as the Secretary and Rohan Gunaratne as Executive Director have also being drawn into the case in their official capacities.
Whilst a whopping sum of Rs. 55 million was reported to have been mismanaged and illegal documents submitted to provide Sri Lankan passports to Fijian players, allowing them to represent Sri Lanka, no investigation was ever conducted.
This serious issue falls under the investigation of the Emigration and Immigration Act, with further concerns surrounding the fine imposed for the violation, which was reportedly offset against the World Rugby (WR) development fund allocated to SLR, without the approval of its Council. This raises significant questions about how WR officials accepted the settlement without taking further action, such as issuing lifetime suspensions to SLR officials responsible under Seneviratne’s presidency.
The involvement of David Carrigy, who led the inquiry and found SLR guilty according to WR’s constitution, also casts doubt on potential political maneuvers that may have influenced the outcome. A thorough investigation is warranted to fully understand how such a resolution was reached.
Former SLR President Rizly Illyas has in the past voiced deep concerns over the continued inaction by the Ministry of Sports in addressing critical issues plaguing the rugby administration. During his tenure, Illyas repeatedly encountered challenges from government ministers and influential business figures who sought to derail the proper functioning of SLR, resulting in setbacks that deprived the nation’s rugby players of international opportunities.
Illyas resigned from SLR to ensure that all suspensions were lifted and the sport could progress under principles of good governance. He expressed satisfaction that both school and national rugby are making strides toward international standards, despite concerns over double standards by Asia Rugby and the sports ministry.
However, it remains to be seen if true good governance has been achieved, particularly regarding team selection, sponsorships, and financial matters, all of which should receive proper approvals from the ministry, and appointments of qualified officials.
The lack of accountability and transparency within the Ministry of Sports was further emphasised when Illyas questioned the procedures behind the current school rugby team’s overseas tour, highlighting the absence of proper protocols concerning ticket purchases and sponsorships. While supporting the tour itself, he stressed that adherence to procedure is vital for maintaining credibility in sports governance.
“There is a need for checks and balances to confirm that the selected individuals are suitable and free from any allegations by the ministry, SLR, or provincial unions, which are key stakeholders in the SLR constitution,” Ilyas said.
The incumbent Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya now faces a critical moment as she oversees the Ministry of Sports. Former SLR President Illyas urged her to be fully informed of the ongoing issues within the sport, emphasising that good governance, transparency, and strict adherence to court orders are necessary to restore integrity in both SLR and broader sports administration.
When Prime Minister Dr. Amarasuriya took office, she assured that there would be no political interference in the operations of sports bodies. However, this promise echoes a similar statement made by former Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa, under whose tenure SLR was suspended, a sport he once captained and represented at the national level. This suspension, which many argue was politically motivated, has had lasting negative consequences, leaving SLR in a state of disarray to this day. Illyas highlights this as an example of the political madness and destructive culture left behind, which the new leadership must now address with care and integrity.
“With Hon. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake now serving as President, there is renewed hope that his leadership will bring accountability, not only for the economic collapse of the nation but also for the corruption that has plagued the country’s sports institutions,” he noted.