In a significant development, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamagedara, has issued a Gazette notification announcing the temporary suspension of the registration of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR). The decision comes amid long-standing governance and administrative issues within the union.
To manage the affairs moving forward, the ministry has appointed a special interim task force. The previous appointment of Dr. Shemal Fernando, Director of the Department of Sports Development, as the competent authority for Sri Lanka Rugby, has been officially revoked.
The newly formed task force will operate under the leadership of Priyantha Ekanayake, Chairman of the National Sports Council. Other key members include:
- Suresh Subramaniam – President of the National Olympic Committee
- M.R. Latheef – Retired Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police
- Dinal Phillips – President’s Counsel
- Rohan Abeyakoon – Member of the National Sports Council
According to the Gazette, the task force has been entrusted with finalizing a new constitution for Sri Lanka Rugby. Within 90 days of its registration, elections must be held to appoint new office-bearers.
Until the Annual General Meeting (AGM) is conducted and officials are elected under the new constitution, all responsibilities and administrative powers of Sri Lanka Rugby will be vested in the interim task force.
Despite these internal issues, Sri Lanka’s national rugby team has recently demonstrated commendable performances on the field and has qualified for the top tier of the Asian Rugby Championship.
