Asanga inducted as independent member of Asia Rugby EXCO

Asanga Seneviratne

Former Thomian, CR&FC, Sri Lankan fly-half and former Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) President Asanga Seneviratne was appointed to the Asia Rugby Executive Committee (EXCO). Former

Hong Kong Rugby Football Union (HKRFU) President Trevor Gregory too was nominated along with Seneviratne.

In accordance with the governance practices of World Rugby and other major sport organisations, Asia Rugby identified the need to include independent members on the EXCO who possess high-level skills and expertise. A high-powered Nomination Committee was appointed by Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai to shortlist and nominate names for the two positions.

The Committee was led by Asia Rugby (AR) Vice President Vela Tan along with Ethics and Governance Committee Chairperson Kakhramon Djalilov and Asia Rugby CEO Johny Stavrinou.

Asanga Seneviratne is not new to the AR Executive Committee as he served as the Honorary Secretary General (2013-2015).‎ He also served as President of SLRFU (2012-2017) and is currently the Vice President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) as well as the Chairperson of Asia Rugby Competitions Committee (including High Performance), where he has played a critical role since January 2020.

The former Thomian was also appointed to Sri Lanka High Performance Committee which was set up under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. 

Asanga Seneviratne speaking to Daily FT said: “It’s an absolute honour for me to be chosen by the leadership of AR to serve in the Executive Committee to take AR forward. These are testing times and the return to full activity will be real challenge. The future of our membership to participate in competitions and compete with the rest of the continents in the World of Rugby, is a priority and we must all work together.”

SLR President Rizly Ilyas said: “We are very proud of the appointment given to SLR Past President Asanga Senaviratne, and I am sure his wealth of expertise will surely be a game changer in the ARFU structure. On behalf of SLR, I congratulate his appointment and wish him the best. AR President Qais Abdullah and his committee have chosen well in appointing both Asanga and Trevor to the main Executive Committee. I wish Trevor Gregory too, well he is no stranger to Asia Rugby and to Sri Lanka.”

(SJ)