Asia Rugby confirms temporary membership suspension for Sri Lanka

By Shamseer Jaleel

Asia Rugby (AR) Executive Committee (EXCO) at a recently concluded meeting in Phuket, Thailand has discussed

SLR President Rizly Ilyas

at length the contrary positions of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and National Olympic Committee (NOC) in relation to the suspension of the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR). This discussion took place during the Phuket Rugby Sevens 2022 in Thailand.

SLR was suspended by Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa as announced via an official Government Gazette dated 1 April whilst the NOC via an official letter signed by the Secretary-General recognises the SLR as the sole representative of the sport of rugby in Sri Lanka.

The Executive Committee concluded that, in accordance with Asia Rugby Regulation 3, the membership of the Sri Lanka Rugby will be temporarily suspended from the Regional Association with immediate effect until further notice, on the basis that the Sri Lanka Rugby may no longer be considered as fully responsible for the organisation of rugby-related matters in its jurisdiction; or it is no longer in a position to perform its constitutional and regulatory duties in an appropriate manner.

The Executive Committee further concluded that a visiting delegation from the Regional Association together with the Olympic Council of Asia will travel to Sri Lanka on 20 April to meet with the relevant stakeholders in a committed and transparent efforts to attain an ideal resolution to the affair in the best interest of the Sri Lankan rugby athletes

Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Ilyas speaking to Daily FT said: “Both former Minister (Namal Rajapaksa) and AR suspends SLR without any reason and no inquiry. AR is a non-political body and in the news release it’s stated that they have suspended as the Sports Ministry has suspended, well two wrongs cannot make it a right decision.” 

SLR President continued: “We see a pattern not allowing SLR to run its affairs and tournaments and to bring in another sponsor to rugby by issuing the gazette on suspending without a reason.” 

Rizly Ilyas states that he and the SLR elected body can withstand a hurricane as they have done nothing wrong and followed good governance and protocol. “The Gazette will hurt the sport, the players, coaches and administrators.”

This suspension means SLR will not allowed to continue with the Nippon Rugby League 2022 encounter which has two matches to be played, plus Clifford Cup Knockout and the Inter-Club Sevens will not take place until a firm decision is taken on the suspension. 

Further, the biggest damage for Sri Lanka is that they will not be able to participate at the Commonwealth Rugby Sevens 2022 in England. Sri Lanka has a record of booking their berth in the oval shaped ball game which commenced in 1998 during the time Malaysia hosted the shorter version of the game.