Keep it safe!!!
A senior official from one of the Provincial Unions emphasised that all clubs, regardless of their division, must adhere to proper protocols when engaging with governing bodies overseeing the sport nationally.
“Clubs do not have the authority to reach out to regional or international organisations such as Asia Rugby (AR) or World Rugby (WR) while SLR serves as the sport’s custodian in Sri Lanka. What kind of precedent are they trying to set?” questioned a veteran in rugby administration.
Recently, seven Provincial Unions sought legal intervention to halt an Annual General Meeting (AGM) from occurring before the mandated cutoff date of May 31. This action followed SLR coming under the jurisdiction of Dr. Shemal Fernando, Director General of the Department of Sports Development, after the Ministry of Sports suspended four affiliated sports bodies, including rugby, for failing to hold elections by the deadline.
“Those hungry for power often forget this vital point. Their attempts to cling to authority have led to the sport suffering immensely. If WR has already cited Sri Lanka’s issue as an internal problem that needs to be sought out by its stakeholders, then why is rugby in this state,” questioned another official from a provincial union based out of the country’s capital.
The present issue reached a stagnating point following the visit of a WR official on a fact finding mission, after SLR faced continuous setbacks, including a suspension from AR, followed by a global ban from WR, which was lifted later on. However, according to sources, the WR official had not identified Sri Lanka’s issue as ‘alarming’ following a series of meetings stakeholders. Provincial Union representatives expressed concern over perceived biases from the WR official, who reportedly held separate discussions with the four clubs instead of facilitating a resolution with SLR’s duly elected administration.
“We’re baffled by why these clubs feel the need to discuss SLR constitutional matters with WR or AR. Instead, we sense a heavy political stand taken by certain individuals, namely David Carrigy of WR and Qais Al Dhalai Abdulla of AR, including certain individuals within the sports ministry in influencing the needs of the four clubs,” stated former SLR chief Rizly Illyas, who was forced to retire following heavy pressure.
“We cannot understand the need for these clubs to discuss matters regarding the SLR constitution with WR or AR, who should have asked the clubs to sort out matters with the country’s rugby governing body.”
Adding to the confusion, SLR, now under the Competent Authority, has appointed five committees to oversee the League Championship, set to begin soon. However, Provincial Unions have labeled this decision as ‘unofficial,’ claiming the tournament organisers did not seek the requisite approval from the Competent Authority—a standard practice for sports bodies in the country.
Amid these developments, some segments of the rugby community are reportedly seeking legal opinion regarding the legitimacy of the upcoming competition. The inclusion of a newly promoted club has also ignited debate, with mixed reactions from various clubs.
It is reported that an advisor to the Ministry of Sports on rugby, who has taken the front seat as the organiser of the League Championship, has influenced heavily on the appointments and decision making.
“Look at where these people have brought the sport to. What we need, as stakeholders, is for the sports ministry to act swiftly and put rugby back on track. Matters are getting worse day after day and when the sport in whole is facing immense challenge, these four clubs seem to have no concern at all. All they want is control and that’s it,” an official from the Uva province said.
The provincial unions have unanimously made a decision to make an official request to the Ministry of Sports to conduct a forensic audit on the four named clubs, Havelocks SC, CH&FC, CR&FC and Kandy SC. In their request, the provincial unions are said to question the state of tax membership and sponsorships and forwarding the past two years audited statements. According to the provincial unions, all four clubs have inherited prime land plots owned by the state, valued over billions of rupees.
“We cannot understand how these clubs are finding it difficult to raise finance with these valuable properties and support the sporting facilities they have. They at time complain of not having sufficient funding to take part in all tournament and has done nothing to promote rugby. In contrast, the provincial unions conduct competitions of all age groups, as well as various development programmes with the sole intent of promoting rugby throughout the island. And we are treated as scapegoats,” charged a top official from the Western province.
Since the appointment of Dr. Shemal Fernando as the SLR Competent Authority after the local rugby body was suspended by the Ministry of Sports in July, stakeholders have cried out the need to conduct the AGM, which could have easily paved the way to making the needed constitutional amendments. Instead Sri Lanka is facing a possible global ban from WR, with many legal cases being heard since and before the local suspension.
Reports indicate that Dr. Fernando has assured WR of his commitment to amend the SLR constitution and conduct the AGM, pledging to return control to an elected body. Facing the threat of a global ban for non-compliance with WR requirements, Dr. Fernando has sought an extension beyond the November 8 deadline to hold a Special General Meeting for necessary constitutional changes. SLR’s credibility has come under scrutiny due to accusations from former president Rizly Illyas, who alleged financial mismanagement by previous administrations and violations of immigration laws related to foreign players.
These complaints were lodged with the country’s first Sports Ombudsman, Chulananda Perera, in June, yet little progress has been made publicly. As critical issues remain unresolved, local rugby stakeholders accuse top sports officials of prioritising select clubs over the broader rugby community. Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya has urged relevant authorities to expedite the resolution of these pressing concerns.