Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage has issued a Gazette notification suspending the registration of Sri Lanka Rugby with immediate effect.
The suspension, announced under Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, also revokes the appointment of Prof. (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando as the Competent Authority for Sri Lanka Rugby. He had been appointed under a previous Gazette (No. 2386/08) dated 29 May 2024.
In place of the Competent Authority, the Minister has appointed a five-member Working Task Force with the limited mandate of adopting the new Constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby. The constitution was prepared by a Constitutional Review Group set up by World Rugby and agreed upon by all stakeholders.
The Task Force includes:
– Mr. Priyantha Ekanayake (Chairman, National Sports Council) – Chairman
– Mr. Suresh Subramaniam (Chairman, National Olympic Committee)
– Mr. M. R. Latiff (Retired Senior DIG)
– Mr. Dinal Phillips (President’s Counsel)
– Mr. Rohan Abayakoon (Member, National Sports Council)
An election to appoint office bearers is to be held within 90 days after the registration of the new Constitution. Until then, the Task Force is authorised to manage all affairs of Sri Lanka Rugby.
