Harin props up with Sri Lanka Referees in support in technology

By Shamseer Jaleel

Minister of Sports, Hrin Fernando came in for support of Sri Lanka Referees Society in order to provide technology for the continuation of the Schools Rugby encounters in the country. Further he had requested the society to get back in officiating plus not to penalise the school boys of the Science College rugby team for the incident which some of the old boys were involved. 

Meanwhile Sri Lanka Referees Society agreed to officiate matches involving all other schools except Science College. It was set to resume Schools League on July 12. The decision comes after a contentious incident involving Science College, which led to a temporary suspension of the league.

The matter involving the assault of Match Officials involving the game between Science College and S’Thomas is under legal review, with the next court date set for 1 October.

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) has provided written assurance of enhanced security measures. Senior DIG (Rtd) Latif will personally oversee the monitoring of these arrangements. Additionally, the Sports Minister has pledged support for ensuring the safety of all participants. 

SLSRFR has secured commitments for TMO (Television Match Official) facilities and insurance coverage for match officials through Minister of Sports, Haren Fernando. Further former Leading Referee Dilroy Fernando will be conducting training courses in collaboration with World Rugby and Asia Rugby, following a period of restrictions. 

Further recently Science Old Boys rugby committee met with SLSRFR officials and offered a verbal apology. The SLSRFR has requested a formal written apology addressing several key points. Science College authorities further confirmed that individuals involved in the incident are no longer students of their institution. Ban on identified individuals from attending Science College rugby matches, removal of involved persons from the Old Boys Association membership, public apology from the Vice Principal as Rugby Chairman, Commitment to prevent supporters from approaching match officials, even when Science College is not the host will be looked in to by the Mount Lavinia based school which was better known as Sathisara Maha Vidyalaya in the past.