Police support for Schools Rugby

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SSRFA) will get Sri Lanka Police support in order to provide maximum security for its match officials and spectators at future rugby games around the country. 

This was confirmed by Inspector General of Police (IGP), Deshabandu Tennakoon.

Principal of Dharmaraja, Kamal Ariyasinghe said this extra Police protection for schools rugby matches were informed to Referees Society in order of continuity of the game. Referees refused to blow after the assault of their Match Officials in the game between Science and S. Thomas College which took place in Ratmalana. As the decision of Referees not willing to officiate and postpone the event is unfair on the schools boys as their schedule is so tight with their examinations too round the corner soon after the completion of the season.

Earlier the SSRFA in a letter apologised to the Referees Society and guaranteed maximum security for their match officials in the remainder of the tournament. All eagle eyed rugby lovers are awaiting to see if the Referees Society refuses to blow, will there be overseas referees to officiate in the remaining games and Assistant referees to be appointed through Provincial unions.

In a related development, the Referees Society, President, Dinka Peiris has called for a press briefing which is to take place in Colombo tomorrow to inform their stand.