COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s Provincial Rugby Unions issued a stern warning to four prominent clubs—Havelock SC, CH & FC, CR & FC, and Kandy SC—accusing them of disrespecting the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) constitution and stakeholders. According to the unions, these clubs lack legitimacy to approach international bodies like World Rugby (WR) and Asian Rugby (AR) over issues related to SLR’s governance.
In a pointed statement, the unions expressed disappointment with WR and AR representatives, David Carrigy and Qais Abdulla, as well as Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry, for allegedly backing the clubs in seeking political influence over SLR’s constitutional matters. The unions argue this stance undermines SLR’s autonomy, claiming it represents a heavy-handed approach to sway governance in favor of the clubs.
The unions are now calling on the Sports Ministry to conduct a forensic audit of the four clubs, specifically examining tax payments, membership fees, sponsorships, and audited statements from the past two years. They also raised concerns about the clubs’ use of government-owned land in prime Colombo and Kandy locations, valued in billions.
“The four clubs claim funding challenges despite holding valuable properties,” said a union representative. “If they struggle to secure sponsorships and maintain facilities, we’re prepared to manage these properties, fulfill tax obligations, and develop the sport professionally.”
The unions added that under Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s focus on good governance, they envision taking charge of these clubs’ assets with professional management, maintaining rugby at all levels without affecting club memberships or activities.
The statement reflects growing tensions within Sri Lanka’s rugby community, with provincial unions asserting that they could better manage resources to sustain and grow the game across the country.
