Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) has decided to suspend the forth coming schools tournaments after Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association is showing less interest to follow the Union’s instructions regarding their up and coming season.
After controversial incidents had taken place during the last season, Sports Minister Mahindanada Aluthgamage has required rugby governing body to guide the schools section.
But according to the SLRFU secretary Rizly Illyas, the president of the schools section Ranjith Chandrasekera does not respect the SLRFU and is avoiding attending the meetings by trying to play power politics.
“Chandrasekera is sending their secretary Susanth Mendis for the meetings and when we request for something Mendis evades answering by saying that he cannot take any decisions and should ask the president of the SLSRFA. They did this at a few meetings and that is why the Union has decided to suspend their upcoming tournaments,” said Illyas.
SLRFU administration committee has decided not to recognize the schools tournament conducted by the Schools Association. The Union is also willing to inform all schools to not participate in any tournament. The schools can play their own traditional games, but if they participate in any tournament the Union will consider taking legal action against them.
Illyas has stated in a letter to the schools body that there is still time to meet and discuss to settle the matter.
If the schools body did not respond the Union will have no option in going ahead to dissolve the Schools Association and appoint an independent body through the Sports Ministry.
Illyas said that the Sports Minister showed great interest in schoolboys who are future prospects in Sri Lanka rugby. But the way the schools body is conducting tournaments frustrated both players and their parents.
“Sometimes the schools tournaments have turned into a battle field. Lots of unwanted things are happening and players do not want to continue with rugby with clubs and national levels,” noted Illyas.
The schools season is scheduled to begin with the inter-schools Under-20 Sevens on February 1 and 2 at Royal Complex.
