Sports

SLR sees tradition challenged during troubled times

Published

4 years ago

2022/05/26

by A Special Sports Correspondent

Rugby in Sri Lanka is at a standstill and there are many reasons for this. The main reason for this is Asian Rugby (AR) suspending the membership of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR); the controlling body for rugby in Sri Lanka. The other reason is the chaotic situation in the country which has been brought about largely by the economic crisis.

This puts paid to Sri Lanka taking part in any regional tournaments. That could mean Sri Lanka’s chances of contesting the rugby sevens event of the upcoming Commonwealth Games is also in jeopardy. But there could be a way out of this murky situation for SLR if it conducts the AGM and has a free and fair election. AR is monitoring the rugby activities in Sri Lanka and even sent one of its representatives here to study the situation. AR proposed having the SLR AGM.

Our investigations into the events that have taken place in Sri Lanka’s rugby scene reveal that AR has found out that a democratic atmosphere doesn’t exist within the fraternity that the SLR controls. A representative from AR was here in April to conduct a probe on the rugby set-up here. The probe, according to news reports published in the web and leading national newspapers, revealed that all stakeholders of the game are not equally represented in SLR’s decision-making environment. Also, it has been revealed that the decision taken to suspend the SLR’s membership has been taken with the interest of maintaining Asian Rugby’s principles which are equality, transparency, and accountability.

It is also learned that the AR representative had made it known that the rugby set-up here in Sri Lanka was in need of an Annual General Meeting (AGM). This AGM would be called upon by the National Olympic Committee as desired by AR. A letter indicating the above has been sent to the minister of sports. According to the SLR its AGM is scheduled for August 27.

One of the major issues in local rugby is that Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU)-the union with the highest number of rugby clubs-has been denied voting rights at past AGMs due to the nonpayment of membership fees to the SLR. The clubs within the WPRFU have come together as a force and made a request through the competent authority- appointed by the former sports minister to control rugby-to grant voting rights to individual clubs at the AGM. This is because the WPRFU is facing obstacles in contesting this AGM. This practice of clubs voting at the SLR AGM was done away with many years ago. An SLR official asked why these clubs representatives now want to return to an old system of having voting rights for clubs when most of these individuals, when serving the SLR as officials, were quite happy with provincial unions having voting rights some years ago?

Rugby in Sri Lanka was once a happy family. This writer remembers the manner in which tradition was preserved at past AGMs. There was one year when the bidding present of the SLR (Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union then) Michael Jayasekara was challenged at a vote by another candidate for the post of president. Jayasekara withdrew his nomination at the last hour to ensure maintaining the tradition of the bidding present of the SLR not be contested at a vote.

Rugby AGMs in the past have been ‘healthy’ and camaraderie has prevailed even during a voting for other posts. These get-togethers have been like parties and representatives of clubs and provinces have caught up on old times after the voting concluded and new committees were formed. At present provincial unions are fighting for their ‘pound of flesh’ and dirty politics exists.

Just a few weeks ago the WPRFU organised an open club rugby sevens tournament and received much response from clubs. Several schools were also invited to take part in the tournament. WPRFU officials were quoted in newspapers saying that the purpose of organizing the rugby sevens tournament was to give an opportunity to club players to play rugby sevens because they were denied chances of playing rugby due to the obstacles caused by the COVID pandemic during the past couple of years. But the chaotic political and economic situation in the country didn’t support the commencement of this tournament, which was scheduled for May 14. As many as 18 teams had confirmed participation. For the record, last year, the WPRFU conducted the ‘Warriors Cup’ sevens tournament with much success.

In the same manner, the inter-club league rugby tournament is to be discontinued. This is due to the chaotic situation in the country. According to SLR President Rizly Illyas the council is in the process of naming table leaders Kandy SC as the winner; by taking into consideration points accumulated.

When contacted SLR President Rizly Illyas said that he together with his committee, overseeing the rugby operations in the island, has always given blessings to each provincial union to conduct its own tournaments.

The SLR headed by Illyas recorded a victory recently when they managed to bring an interim order suspending the enactment of the Gazette issued by the Ex-sports minister suspending the registration of the SLR with the Ministry of Sports. The interim order was issued by the Court of Appeal and is effective till June 30, according to news reports.

Illyas said that he hopes that there would be a free and fair election.

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Sports

Nestomalt run for Sri Lanka on Sunday

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/30

Thilina Walpola

Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon 2026, organised by SingleTree Events, will be held in the city of Galle on 1 February 2026, from 6.00 a.m. onwards, bringing together runners, families, and communities for a morning fuelled by purpose and energy.

‎Designed to be inclusive and high-spirited, the Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon 2026 features four running categories catering to all ages and fitness levels – from seasoned athletes to families running together. The categories include: 21.1 km – Elite Run, 10 km – Challengers Run, 5 km – Fun Run, 2 km – Family Run.

‎More than just a race, the Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon carries a powerful cause at its heart, with all proceeds directed to the Rebuilding Sri Lanka Fund, reinforcing the collective spirit of giving back and thriving together as a nation.

‎True to its legacy, Nestomalt continues to champion active lifestyles, encouraging Sri Lankans to push boundaries and take on life with Power, Strength, and Energy. By supporting initiatives like the Nestomalt Run for Sri Lanka Marathon, the brand reaffirms its commitment to uplifting communities while inspiring healthier, more active living. With energy in every step and purpose in every run, Nestomalt is set to help power a memorable start to Run for Sri Lanka Marathon 2026.

‎Guided by its purpose of ‘unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone, today and for generations to come’, Nestlé Lanka has been enriching Sri Lankan lives for 120 years, nourishing generations with tasty, and nutritious products across the country.

Sports

Kumarasiri shines as Sri Sumangala earn first innings points against Ananda

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/30

Thilina Walpola

Left-arm spinner Mevindu Kumarasiri came up with another impressive bowling performance, taking seven wickets as Sri Sumangala College Panadura took first innings points against Ananda College in the Under 19 Division I Tier ‘B’ cricket encounter at Ananda Mawatha on Thursday.

‎In the Tier A matche concluded on Thursday, Mahanama and Prince of Wales took first innings wins.

‎Results

‎Tier B

‎Sri Sumangala take first innings points at Ananda Mawatha

‎Scores

‎Sri Sumangala 272 all out in 71 overs (Pansilu Silva 35, Neksha Iddamalgoda 86, Bihanga Silva 30, Umantha Akash 21, Sadika Damyuru 24, Dinusha Dulanjana 23; Chamathka Irusha 2/35, Himira Kudagama 4/34) and 139 all out in 51.1 overs (Neksha Iddamalgoda 38; Himira Kudagama 6/54)

‎Ananda 208 all out in 66 overs (Danindu Sellapperuma 75, Himira Kudagama 26, Kithma Vidanapathirana 29, Lithma Perera 29, Rashan Dilaksha 21; Mevindu Kumarasiri 7/69, Bihanga Silva 2/32) and 17 for no loss in 4 overs

‎Tier A

‎Cambrians on first innings win against Maris Stella at Kadirana

‎Scores

‎Prince of Wales 310 all out in 76.3 overs (Suwas Fernando 84, Pramesh Fernando 88, Oshan de Silva 49; Hashmika Nethshan 6/24) and 167 for 5 in 37 overs (Oshan de Silva 40, Pramesh Fernando 75, Pasan Cooray 31; Savindu Sathsara 3/29)

‎Maris Stella

257 all out in 72.3 overs (Hansaka Perera 20, Kavith de Silva 91, Hashmika Nethshan 36; Nethul Anuhas 4/72, Oshan de Silva 3/20)

‎Mahanama post 342 for nine at Uyanwatta

‎‎Scores

‎St. Servatius’ 237 all out in 71.1 overs (Risinu Kithmuka 64, Thathsilu Bandara 92; Geeth Sandaruwan 2/41, Sithum Vihanga 4/57) and and 126 for 7 decl. in 41 overs (Tharul Weerarathne 57n.o., Binal Nethmaka 24; Geeth Sandaruwan 3/24, Kaushika Thilakarathne 2/09, Thenuja Rashmin 2/28)

‎Mahanama 116 for 1 overnight 342 for 9 decl. in 73 overs (Sineth Veerarathne 75, Kaushika Thilakarathne 35, Venura Kaveethra 27, Sanul Weerarathne 34, Sithuma Vihanga 24, Gimantha Dissanayake 71, Thaviru Perera 38; Samiru Gimhan 3/52, Praveen Madushanka 3/84, Lasindu Ramanayake 2/122) (RF)

Sports

Sri Lanka draft in KJP for England T20Is

Published

2 hours ago

2026/01/30

Thilina Walpola

Kusal Janith Perera has returned to the T20 side.

Sanity has finally prevailed as Kusal Janith Perera has been drafted into Sri Lanka’s T20 squad for the series against England at Pallekele, a move that strongly suggests the prolific left-hander remains firmly in the World Cup frame. Eyebrows had been raised when selectors earlier signalled that KJP was not part of their World Cup plans, but with time running out and options thinning, they have been forced into a late U-turn. The first T20I gets underway today.

Pavan Rathnayake has also been rewarded with a call-up following his maiden international hundred in the final ODI against England, but Kamindu Mendis, groomed for months as a key cog in Sri Lanka’s World Cup plans, has been left out in the cold. With selections changing course at the eleventh hour, much of the long-term planning ahead of a home World Cup appears to have gone for a toss.

Despite the recent selection jitters, Sri Lanka have made notable strides in white-ball cricket over the last two years, underlined by series wins over heavyweight opponents such as India and Australia. With a bit of patience and perseverance, the team has shown signs of rediscovering the glory days when they were trendsetters of the game, from pinch-hitting at the top to wide yorkers at the death and mystery spinners running through line-ups.

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera, rested during the ODI series, has been recalled for the T20Is and is expected to be a key weapon at the World Cup. Blessed with extra pace and the ability to hit the deck hard, Chameera brings both venom and accuracy, a rare combination in the shortest format. While Sri Lanka boast several pace options, Chameera remains the strike bowler capable of rattling batters and breaking partnerships.

Star leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, who was rested for the first two ODIs, returned for the series decider but struggled towards the back end of the contest. Captain Dasun Shanaka attributed his struggles to cramps, playing down concerns ahead of the T20 campaign.

While Colombo served up sweltering heat and humidity during the ODIs, conditions in the hill capital are expected to be far more forgiving. Pallekele is set for full houses across the three-match series, adding to the carnival atmosphere.

England, ranked third in the world, arrive as leading contenders for the World Cup semi-finals. They are unbeaten in their last seven bilateral series, winning five and drawing two and will see the Sri Lanka tour as a crucial tune-up.

Pallekele will host seven matches of the T20 World Cup, including the high-profile clash between Sri Lanka and Australia scheduled for February 16.

Rex Clementine ✍️
at Pallekele