Sri Lanka Rugby crisis resolved after months of deadlock

Tuesday, 10 December 2024 02:40 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

After a seven-month legal standoff that brought Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) into disarray, a resolution was brokered on 4 December at the Court of Appeal.

The agreement marks the end of a prolonged conflict between SLR’s Competent Authority, Prof. (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, and seven provincial unions, paving the way for the sport’s administrative revival.

The settlement, which adheres to SLR’s constitution and international rugby standards, was finalised before a Court of Appeal bench comprising Justice M.T. Mohammed Laffar and Justice P. Kumararatnam. The arrangement ensures the conduct of an Annual General Meeting (AGM) to elect new office bearers and a Special General Meeting (SGM) to adopt constitutional amendments proposed by World Rugby.

Accordingly, it was agreed that an AGM will be held, facilitated by the Competent Authority, to elect new office bearers. It was also agreed that by 31 January 2025, the newly elected officials will convene an SGM to align SLR’s constitution with World Rugby’s requirements, and that both meetings will adhere to Sri Lanka’s Sports Law, regulations, and SLR’s constitution.

The resolution was facilitated by assurances from the Youth Affairs and Sports Ministry. A letter dated 2 December from Ministry Secretary A.H.M.U. Aruna Bandara confirmed the Ministry’s non-objection to proceed with the AGM and emphasised the need to hold the SGM by 31 January.

Counsel for the petitioners, Faiszer Musthapha, PC, stressed the importance of adhering to Section 38(1) of the SLR constitution, which mandates an Election Committee to oversee a transparent election process. Meanwhile, Sumathi Dharmawardena, PC, representing the respondents, underscored the role of the Director General of Sports in ensuring the AGM and SGM are conducted in compliance with the law.

The conflict arose in May 2023 when former Sports Minister Harin Fernando dissolved the SLR for failing to hold elections before the 31 May annual deadline. The provincial unions contested the Competent Authority’s legitimacy to call for an AGM, arguing it undermined their constitutional mandate and stakeholder rights.

This legal impasse delayed the start of the 2024-25 Inter-Club Rugby League tournament and drew warnings from World Rugby over SLR’s failure to amend its constitution to grant ‘A’ Division clubs voting powers at AGMs, as required by the global governing body.