COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Former Sri Lanka Rugby President Rizly Illyas has launched a strong attack on the current state of rugby in the country, claiming that the truth must be revealed to millions of fans, players, management, and sponsors. In a bold statement, he declared, “Now is the time to set rugby right.”
Illyas raised serious allegations against former Sri Lanka Rugby presidents Asanga Senaviratne and Lasitha Gunaratne. He claims that during Harin Fernando’s tenure as Minister of Sports, charges were filed with the Ombudsman against these two men. The accusations included a demand for a formal audit of their financial activities and a £50,000 fine imposed by World Rugby for the illegal recruitment of foreign players during Senaviratne’s presidency. Illyas insists that the culprits must be punished.
Despite the Ombudsman recognizing the need for an investigation, Illyas states that no action has been taken. He expressed frustration that the initial delays in addressing these issues have negatively impacted the administration of Sri Lanka Rugby, leaving him and the sport without justice.
Former Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, who was Sri Lanka team captain during Senaviratne’s presidency, has been drawn into the controversy. When Rajapaksa became minister, Illyas took over as president. Reports suggest that Rajapaksa sought to either reappoint Senaviratne or give him a powerful role within Sri Lanka Rugby. Allegations have surfaced that Senaviratne tried to shift the responsibility for the £50,000 fine onto the rugby union, proposing to pay it in installments from the funds meant for rugby development.
Illyas questions the ethics of allowing those who make poor decisions that harm the sport to remain in power without facing consequences. He points out that Senaviratne has managed to secure a significant position influencing rugby across Asia, backed by the Asian Rugby President. Meanwhile, Gunaratne, who was part of the advisory panel for the former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe, faces scrutiny over his connection to these events.
Rizly Illyas has announced that his lawyers are exploring legal options against the President and Executive Committee of Asia Rugby. He claims that since Asia Rugby has no official presence in Sri Lanka, taking legal action there is not feasible. Illyas stated, “We are looking to bring a charge at the Asian Rugby Union offices, where we believe we can find a legal basis for our case.” This statement raises questions about the governance of rugby in the region and the accountability of its officials.
As the controversy develops, the future of rugby in Sri Lanka hangs in the balance, with many calling for transparency and accountability in the sport’s administration. The rugby community waits anxiously for a resolution to these pressing issues.
