“We are grateful to Sports Minister for the support”: SLR Deputy President

Sri Lanka Rugby Team tour of  Taipei

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by Shamseer Jaleel

The Sri Lanka XV’s rugby outfit will leave the country later tonight to Taipei in order to secure the Division 1 of the Asia Rugby Championship 2019 which will kick off on 29 May.

Speaking to Daily FT, SLR Deputy President Rizly Ilyas said: “I would like to thank the Minister of Sports and former Joes rugby player Harin Fernando for assisting the team’s training and travel arrangements for the tour and Dialog Axita for being with us for such a long time and propping with Sri Lanka Rugby which is major strength for the team.

“We have a record 17 players making their debut for the country out of the 26 touring party to Taipei. This is a major honor for them to play for their country and win their national jersey. SLR under Lasitha Gunaratne worked as a team and Minister Harin Fernando too mentioned that the country has done well in local and overseas tours in the resent past and assured his support for rugby.”  Sri Lanka Rugby Skipper Omalka Gunaratne, who becomes the youngest ever to lead a national XV’s outfit at the age of 23, said: “I am very happy with the preparation for this tour. We had a camp at the Sugathadasa Stadium thanks to Sports Minister Harin Fernando’s support. The boys have bonded better and we want to return with the trophy. All have assured me their fullest support to play as one unit. Our coaching staff Matt Lee, Fazil Marija and Viraj Prasanna are great to us, supporting with their knowledge.” Sri Lanka Head Coach Matt Lee said: “Our preparation for this tour was good as we toured Malaysia and identified a few areas and worked hard to get over it. Philippines have got a good side with some Australians playing there. We have a young side. If we play according to plan success should come our way.”

29 May

1) Sri Lanka vs Philippines

2) Taipei vs Singapore

1 June

Winner 1 vs Winner 2 Final

Loser 1 vs Loser 2 3rd place play off