CR and FC’s 26-year wait ends with League rugby title, floodlights funding

CR and FC grounds 1

Colombo, Feb 22, 7.30PM – Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club (CR and FC), one of the oldest and most respected rugby clubs in the country with a history spanning over 100 years, has achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the League Rugby Title after a gap of 26 years. The club celebrates another triumph as the Sports Ministry announces a grant of Rs 30 million for the installation of floodlights at its homeground, CR and FC at Longden Place.

The Sports Minister, Harin Fernando, a former rugby player at St Joseph’s College, has played a pivotal role in realizing CR’s long-standing aspiration of having a fully-fledged flood lighting system. This initiative aims to enable CR to join the ranks of other prominent Colombo venues like Havelock Sports Club and the international Racecourse in hosting night rugby matches.

The introduction of night rugby heralds a new era for the sport, offering teams the opportunity to play under lights rather than the blistering sun, which has become increasingly intense due to climate change.

For decades, CR and FC have been striving to secure support from the Sports Ministry for this initiative, but financial constraints have always posed a challenge. However, thanks to the proactive stance of the Sports Minister, the dream of illuminating CR’s grounds is now set to become a reality.

CR and FC, fondly known as the “Home of Rugby,” has been a cornerstone of the Sri Lankan rugby stage, hosting prestigious tournaments such as the Sri Lanka Rugby and the Mercantile Sevens. The Ministry will provide an initial disbursement of Rs 20 million to CR and FC President Tikiri Ellepola to kickstart the project, with the remaining contribution of Rs 10 million to follow as needed.

The total estimated cost of the project stands at approximately 40-42 million rupees. This development marks a momentous occasion for CR and FC and the wider rugby community in Sri Lanka, signaling a bright future ahead under the gleam of floodlights.

CR and FC grounds 1
CR and FC’s nighttime glory awaits at Longden Place.
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