Kandy SC urges SLR to address repeated administrative failures

Thursday, 18 June 2026 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Kandy Sports Club has issued a strongly worded letter to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), signed by its Secretary Sujeewa Liyanage, expressing serious concerns over what it described as repeated administrative shortcomings and calling for urgent reforms to protect the image of the sport.

The letter follows the recent visa issue that prevented the Sri Lanka national team, which included two Kandy players, from travelling to South Korea for its scheduled Asia Rugby Top 3 fixture against South Korea. As a result, Sri Lanka was forced to concede the match without taking the field, a development that drew widespread criticism from the rugby fraternity.

In its communication, Kandy SC described the incident as one of the most unfortunate episodes in the history of Sri Lankan rugby administration, arguing that the failure to secure travel documentation on time reflected poor planning and execution of responsibilities that should have been addressed well in advance.

The club stated that the lapse not only denied players and coaching staff the opportunity to compete at international level but also damaged the country’s reputation and disappointed rugby supporters who had placed their confidence in the national side.

While acknowledging that sporting bodies can face operational challenges, Kandy SC stressed that international travel arrangements, documentation and administrative coordination are fundamental responsibilities that must be handled efficiently and professionally.

The club urged Sri Lanka Rugby to ensure that the office of the CEO is managed by a person with the necessary competence, experience and professionalism to safeguard the interests of the game both locally and internationally.

The strongly worded communication is also being viewed by many within rugby circles as an indirect warning that Kandy SC could reconsider releasing its players for national duty unless significant improvements are made to the administration of Sri Lanka Rugby.

This letter is expected to increase pressure on Sri Lanka Rugby to address its administrative shortcomings and restore confidence among players, clubs and supporters. Furthermore, the Minister of Sports is expected to take action following the inquiry into the lapse by

Sri Lanka Rugby in relation to this issue. (SJ)