Jason Dissanayake the centre of controversy

Former Kandy-born, Vidyartha, Navy and CR&FC player, who crossed over to Kandy SC about two months back, Jason Dissanayake is unable to play club rugby due to his release letter not been given by CR&FC.

As per the agreement with the Longdon Place Club, this runs into July 2017. According to reliable sources, a damage of Rs. 500,000 should be paid but the Colombo club has requested for a thumping Rs. 7,500,000 from Kandy SC through a letter sent to Sri Lanka Rugby.

Jason Dissanayake

Jason, who was an outstanding sevens and fifteens player during his school days at Vidyartha, started his club rugby in Welisara, getting into top gear, later crossing over to CR&FC.

Kandy SC Rugby Chairman Lasantha Wijesuriya said: “We are disappointed with CR delaying this purposely. We have already sent our payment to CR. Jason is from Kandy and educated at Vidyartha and got into club rugby and played for Navy before moving to CR. It’s unfair depriving a youngster from playing rugby; it’s a major loss for national rugby. As youngsters, there could be issues, and they do not think far but CR requesting for Rs. 7,500,000 is very unfair. They are delaying to prevent him from playing the next game against them (CR&FC) at Nittawela.”

CR&FC President Ravi Gunaratne said: “Jason has signed a contract until April 2017 with CR&FC and the club will do what’s best for the sport and is currently negotiating the matter with the player and therefore cannot comment on specific details at this point.”

(SJ)