Ex-ruggerite challenges ban for allegedly abusing referee

Rugby Association 

claims he didn’t 

participate at inquiry

By S.S. Selvanayagam

The Sri Lanka School Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) banned an ex-ruggerite and retired Air Force Commissioned Officer from attending the first two matches of Under-20 7 League Rugby tournaments on disciplinary grounds.

Being aggrieved by the decision of the SLSRFA, the ruggerite, Brian Peter Obeysekere, filed a Writ application in the Court of Appeal seeking to quash the decision of the said Rugby Association.

The said Rugby Association in its objection countered his contention stating that without following the mandatory procedure either by participating at the inquiry or by making an appeal, the Petitioner has wrongfully filed his petition and maintains that his application should be dismissed.

Petitioner cited President of the said Rugby Association Ranjith Chandrasekara, its Secretary Susantha Mendis, its Treasurer Nirosha Wijerama, the alleged victim Referee Priya Suranga and St. Joseph’s College Rector Rev. Fr. Travis Gabriel as Respondents.

Harsha Soza PC with R. Perera appeared for the Petitioner. Hiran de Alwis with H. Thambimuttu appeared for the Association.

Petitioner states he was in attendance at the quarter final march on 1 February 2015 between St. Joseph’s College and Isipathana College played at the Royal College Complex.

He states from the advantageous position at one stage of the game, St. Joseph’s College finally lost the said match and Isipathana College were the winners. He alleges that in the wake of the defeat of St. Joseph’s College, a false allegation has been made to the said Association that the Petitioner has abused the referee the 4th Respondent Priya Suranga in unbecoming language.

He states that he was duly informed of an inquiry fixed for 12 February 2015 but he did not attend it because he did not abuse the referee at or after the said match.

He laments that the said Association decided to ban him from attending two matches of the tournament at which St. Joseph’s College was taking part.

He states he complied with the said ban under protest and maintains the purported inquiry was of no force or avail in law.