Rugby interim committee and World Rugby ban for Sri Lanka?

By Shamseer Jaleel
Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) is running the risk of following Sri Lanka Cricket and faces possible sanctions by the world governing body, World Rugby. If banned, the Sri Lanka Rugby team will not be allowed to participate in any tournaments conducted by World Rugby or the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU).
The final decision on what action will be taken on rugby will be taken by the Ministry of Sports in the country. The immediate risk is that the Sri Lankan national team is due to participate at the ARFU Division I tournament in Philippines early next month.
Last week ARFU had sent a letter asking for clear explanations on crucial points with regard to the much-debated Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the SLRFU. ARFU in their letter stated “the IOC (International Olympic Committee) is expressing very grave concerns regarding Government interference in the running of sporting activities in Sri Lanka, contrary to the basic principles of autonomy. The SLRFU, as one of the National Federations, must be free from any undue Government interference, as per our dialogue at the recent ARFU EXCO.
“If this does not take place the World Rugby together with the ARFU may be required to take action to protect the autonomy of the National Federation. This may unfortunately result in Sri Lankan Rugby being suspended from taking part in any sporting event until the matter has been satisfactorily concluded.”
The IOC letter to the Minister as well as the letter sent by the ARFU to the SLRFU clearly states the consequences Sri Lanka, as a country could possibly face if the Government pushes sports governing bodies for elections or appoints interim governing bodies.
“Consequently, it is not acceptable and it is our duty to warn you that the international sports institutions concerned will not be able to recognise the results of elections orchestrated unilaterally by your Ministry. In addition, should this happen, the international sports institutions concerned would be compelled to consider appropriate protective measures (including suspension), which unfortunately would considerably damage the representation of your country at international sporting events,” the IOC letter to the Minister copied to the IRB states.
Minister Navin Dissanayake, on 6 April, a day prior to receiving the letter from the IOC, appointed an interim committee to look into Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) under former national Test cricketer Sidath Wettimuny. The International Cricket Council (ICC), though not affiliated to the IOC, replied harshly on the Minister’s decision warning of similar sanctions on the Sri Lanka cricket team.
According to reliable sources, all provincial unions headed by the powerful WPFRU (Western Rugby Football Union) have backed current President Asanga Seneviratne with his team members Lasitha Gunaratne (Vice President) and Nalin De Silva (Secretary). But according to the latest circular by the Ministry of Sports, any individual cannot hold any positions for more than four years. If this comes into play, none of them will be able to contest.
The other matter could affect Sri Lanka Rugby is that current President Asanga Seneviratne is holding on to the powerful position as the Secretary of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) and tipped to take over the President position at ARFU. The rugby-loving public is awaiting the decision of the Minister of Sports Navin Dissanayake in the coming week.