Damaging integrity of Sri Lanka Rugby

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Legal breach by Director General of Sports

The Sri Lankan Courts have officially taken note of a Contempt of Court matter involving the Director General of Sports, stemming from his failure to conduct the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in accordance with the Court-sanctioned settlement reached on 5 December 2024 between the Attorney General’s Department and the Provincial Unions.

Asia Rugby President’s interference

A key trigger for this Contempt inquiry is the controversial letter from Asia Rugby (AR) President Qais Al Dhalai, which was used to justify the postponement of the SLR AGM. The Courts have clearly stated that this act violates a binding Court order, raising serious concerns not only about the conduct of the Director General, but also implicating other parties—including the Sports Minister, Sports Ministry Secretary, World Rugby (WR), and Asia Rugby leadership—who were all aware of and aligned with the December 2024 settlement.

Warning to stakeholders

This should serve as a legal and ethical warning to all stakeholders: actions or endorsements that undermine a Court ruling may fall under Contempt of Court. The deliberate interference in a judicially protected governance process by external rugby bodies is deeply troubling and sets a dangerous precedent.

Reversal of Japanese suspension

The overturning of the suspension of the Japanese Executive Member by World Rugby, which had initially been imposed by AR President Qais Al Dhalai and his committee, further illustrates the lack of due process and unstable leadership within Asia Rugby’s current administration.

Call for governance integrity

At a time when rugby in Sri Lanka seeks stability, transparency, and international credibility, all parties—local and international—must uphold the rule of law, respect judicial processes, and avoid politically motivated manoeuvres that damage the sport’s integrity.

(The writer is the Secretary WPRFU.)

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Damaging integrity of Sri Lanka Rugby

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