Sports Minister passes the ball to NOC for suspension on SLR

Friday, 7 July 2023 00:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Minister Roshan Ranasinghe

By Shamseer Jaleel

World Rugby (WR) officials who are in Sri Lanka met the Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe and discussed way forward in having the game of Rugby Football after its suspension on the governing body, Sri Lanka Rugby by Asia Rugby (AR) and later by WR.

Speaking to Media, Sports Minister, Roshan Ranasinghe said “Officials from WR, AR, Secretary of Sports Minister, Director of Sports, Justice Ministry Officials, Stabilisation Committee Chairman and Azarath Deen Coordinator appointed by the Ministry were involved. Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) was suspended even before I took over office. We have built a very good rapport with WR and AR to improve the game in Sri Lanka.”

Speaking further he said

“I would like to thank WR and AR for the support rendered to us. We wanted them to meet Referees, Coach and players which was arranged yesterday and today (6 July).” National Olympic Committee (NOC) had written to AR and WR which is wrong. First they should consult with the Ministry of Sports before going further. If this was done the damage would not have been so bad as it now for rugby football in the country. Also NOC writing to International Olympic Committee (IOC) and informing on political interference put matters even worst. This resulted in WR putting a suspension on SLR.

Further even the Football suspension will be sorted out at a meeting on 10 July with the world governing body and the Asian Region body through zoom.

WR and AR will meet SLR, Referees and players today (6 July) as well before concluding their tour of Sri Lanka. They are also expected to meet a few Provincial Unions before they leave the country.

Daily FT made several attempts to contact the SLR officials who were unable to be contacted.