Legal experts express concern over Asian Rugby Chief’s letter to Attorney General

Monday, 19 May 2025 00:57 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Legal experts have expressed concern over Asian Rugby President Qais Al-Dhalai’s decision to write to Sri Lanka’s Attorney General’s Office amidst ongoing litigation.

They alleged that the Asian Rugby Chief’s move was an attempt to influence ongoing judicial proceedings related to rugby in Sri Lanka. They argued that this act disrespects the sovereignty of Sri Lanka’s judicial system.

Despite prior Court agreements concerning the actions of the Director General of the Department of Sports Development, he appears to have acted against these by postponing elections based on a letter from the Asian Rugby President—without notifying the Court. This has led to contempt of court allegations against the Director General.

Legal experts claimed that through his letter, the Asian Rugby President attempted to exert undue pressure also on the Sports Minister and National Olympic Committee Chairman just before a Court ruling was expected.

“The framework and authority for rugby development in Sri Lanka must be decided relative to the local context, not imposed by foreign bodies,” they claimed.

The Asian Rugby President has already been accused of exerting unfair influence in other Asian nations. In the case of Japan, his leadership decisions were acknowledged as wrong even by World Rugby. His continued use of power to influence national legal systems is deemed unacceptable.

It was claimed that the legal experts plan to submit complaints against the Asian Rugby Chief on behalf of Sri Lankan citizens to World Rugby, the Olympic Council of Asia, and the International Olympic Committee.

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