BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has warned that any further action against Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) will depend on the explanation submitted by the governing body regarding the controversial cancellation of Sri Lanka’s Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship fixture against South Korea.
Addressing the media on Tuesday (23), the Minister confirmed that he had already requested a written report from the Pavithra Fernando-led SLR Council outlining the circumstances that prevented the national team from travelling to Incheon for the scheduled match on June 13.
“We are taking the cancellation of the Korea match extremely seriously,” Gamage told reporters during a press briefing held to announce the upcoming exhibition rugby clash between Northampton Saints and the Asia Pacific Lions in Colombo this August.
The Minister stressed that while sports federations have been granted the freedom to manage their affairs independently, they must remain accountable to the public and the athletes they represent.
“We have already allowed sports federations to carry out their activities independently, but they must remember that sport belongs to the people and the athletes, not the officials,” he said.
Gamage further emphasized that his Ministry would not tolerate any actions—whether deliberate or otherwise—that bring disrepute to Sri Lanka or hinder the development of sport and its athletes.
“The image of the country and the future of our sports are far more important than the interests of individuals holding office in sports federations. That position will not change as long as I remain the subject Minister,” he stated.
The cancellation of the South Korea fixture resulted in Sri Lanka being handed a 20-0 forfeiture defeat and subsequently slipping to 48th place in the World Rugby Rankings.
The incident also triggered a disciplinary investigation initiated by the Ministry of Sports into what has been described as administrative negligence on the part of Sri Lanka Rugby. The controversy has generated widespread criticism from rugby supporters and the wider sporting community, particularly across social media platforms.
The Minister was particularly critical of the federation’s handling of visa and travel arrangements, maintaining that responsibility for such logistical matters rests solely with the respective sports governing body.
“It is the responsibility of sports federations to finalize visa and travel arrangements. That responsibility has not been entrusted to the Ministry of Sports,” he said.
Meanwhile, Gamage also addressed ongoing speculation surrounding Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), dismissing claims that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had issued an official deadline to the Government regarding elections or threatened suspension.
“There has been no formal or official deadline communicated to the Government by the ICC,” the Minister clarified, adding that the Government’s position on the matter had already been conveyed.
His remarks came days after ICC Chair Jay Shah visited Colombo and held discussions with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and officials of Sri Lanka Cricket’s interim administration regarding governance reforms and the proposed adoption of a new constitution.
Looking ahead, Gamage welcomed the upcoming exhibition match between English Premiership champions Northampton Saints and the Asia Pacific Lions, scheduled for August 28 at the Racecourse Stadium in Colombo.
According to the Minister, the success of the recent New Zealand Under-85kg team tour played a significant role in attracting international rugby interest to Sri Lanka.
“That tour opened the eyes of the rugby world to the enormous potential of Sri Lanka as a rugby destination. I hope more teams of this calibre will visit our country in the future,” he said.
Northampton Saints are expected to field several high-profile stars, including England internationals and British & Irish Lions representatives Henry Pollock, George Furbank, Fin Smith, Tommy Freeman, Alex Mitchell, and Alex Coles.
The Asia Pacific Lions, a Barbarians-style invitational side led by New Zealand-born Japanese international Jamie Henry, will also feature former Australian scrum-half Will Genia, while legendary Wallabies winger David Campese will serve as Director of Rugby.
The rugby spectacle forms part of a broader sporting festival organized by Saabir Cader, which will also include a charity T20 cricket match on August 23 featuring members of Sri Lanka’s 1996 Cricket World Cup-winning team alongside players from the participating rugby sides.
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