Stakeholders alarmed as delays threaten Sri Lanka Rugby’s future
A considerable number of stakeholders from the local rugby community have expressed concern over the blatant delays in establishing a duly elected administration for Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), with the deadline set by World Rugby (WR) approaching in a few weeks.
SLR is currently under the authority of Dr. Shemal Fernando, the Director General (DG) of the Department of Sports Development, after the Ministry of Sports imposed a suspension on four affiliated sports bodies for failing to hold elections or annual general meetings (AGMs) by the cutoff date of May 31.
Almost six months have passed, but authorities have yet to conduct the AGM as directed by the Court of Appeal in its ruling on July 10. This ruling came after the Provincial Unions filed a petition naming the then Minister of Sports, Harin Fernando; the Secretary to the Ministry of Sports, K. Mahesan; Dr. Shemal Fernando; and former SLR Acting President Nalin de Silva as respondents. The petition sought relief for amendments to the SLR constitution and permission to conduct the AGM.
Reports indicate that Dr. Shemal Fernando has assured WR that he will implement changes to the SLR constitution and conduct the AGM, promising to hand over control to the elected body. However, with the Court of Appeal set to address the matter on October 22, it remains uncertain whether a ruling will support his actions.
“If his promises fall through, it may lead to further complications. WR has set a deadline of November 8, and failure to comply could result in SLR’s suspension for an extended period,” stated a member of one of the provincial councils.
Facing the risk of a second global ban for failing to comply with WR requirements, Dr. Fernando has appealed to the global governing body for an extension beyond the deadline, intending to hold a Special General Meeting to make the necessary constitutional amendments for an AGM.
“With the court order in place, it’s unclear how SLR would meet the target, which has to be completed within 20 days. We are puzzled and concerned; his (DG’s) actions so far suggest a pattern of manipulation and control, creating confusion about the true direction of SLR under his watch,” questioned another leading figure from a provincial union.
On the day the court order was issued, July 10, the petitioners secured an ex parte ruling. The judges, after reviewing the petition, affidavit, and submissions from the President’s Counsel, determined that notices should be issued to the respondents. Formal notices were issued, and an interim order, as requested in the petition, was granted until the next hearing date.
SLR has faced scrutiny due to recent accusations made by former president Rizly Illyas, who lodged a complaint against two former presidents for alleged misuse of funds, accumulating significant debt, and violating the country’s Immigration and Emigration Act by allowing three Fiji nationals to represent Sri Lanka. These complaints were made to the country’s first Sports Ombudsman, Chulananda Perera, on June 13, but no public progress or action has been reported.
Despite the administrative lag within SLR, Sri Lanka managed to field its national men’s and women’s teams at a regional Sevens competition held earlier this month in Kathmandu, Nepal, and sent an Under-18 side to represent the country at a Junior Sevens competition in Malaysia. The local inter-club league competition is set to kick off later in November, including Sri Lions Sports Club, last season’s Division ‘B’ winners, in the top league.
With critical issues to be resolved, local rugby stakeholders accuse the country’s top sports officials of focusing on facilitating handpicked clubs with ulterior motives.
“There was a logo of a new club on the Under-18 playing kits, and there are implications that the Sports Ministry is showing more concern for the infrastructure of selected clubs while neglecting the overall issues affecting the development of local players and facilities. How can we trust these officials to bring about a transparent and genuine solution to more important issues?” questioned another official from a provincial union.
It is reported that Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, the Prime Minister, who also oversees the Ministry of Sports, has advised the relevant authorities in charge of SLR to expedite the resolution of pending issues. However, with the pending court order and incomplete constitutional amendments, stakeholders and officials are acutely aware that time is running out, potentially signaling a ban from WR.