Charani and Ayesha create history

Friday, 5 January 2024 00:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Charani Liyanage

Ayesha Perera

Two national rugby players, Charani Liyanage and Ayesha Perera would both create history when for the very first time in the Sri Lanka Rugby history they officiate as female Match Officials as Assistant Referees at the Nippon Paint Inter Club Rugby League Week 5 encounters in Colombo.

The former women’s national skipper, Ayesha Perera will officiate at the CH and FC vs Air Force SC game at Race Course. The current women's player Charani Liyanage will officiate at Welisara in the game between Navy SC vs CR & FC. Both games will be worked off on 6 January. Both have officiated in school’s segment, having shown high potential and reading the game well.

The two referees were fortunate to get support on the developments under the structure of long- and short-term plan development, training, and education from Chairman Dilroy Fernando, assisted by Anil Jayasinghe. This is a major win for SAGT that insisted more female representation in the Sri Lanka Referees Society.

The referees are sponsored by Dialog Axiata PLC (main), SAGT (corporate and women’s development sponsor), plus NDB as official banker and Kandurata Umbrella. (SJ)