Provincial unions expose alleged illegal process and political interference in Sri Lanka Rugby

• Cite total collapse of governance; call for resignation of Working Task Force and Executive Director

The Provincial Unions of Sri Lanka Rugby have alleged illegal process and political interference in Sri Lanka Rugby and called for the resignation of the Working Task Force (WTF) and Executive Director, claiming total collapse of governance.

In a statement, the Provincial Unions of Sri Lanka Rugby also categorically rejected the statement issued on 27 August by Chula Ariyaratne, the Executive Director appointed by the so-called WTF. “His attempt to justify the vacation of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for 9 September 2025 only exposes the gross illegality, ignorance, and politically motivated manipulation that has plagued Sri Lanka Rugby in recent months,” the statement claimed.

The nominations process conducted under Ariyaratne has already been declared void due to his own failure to implement the Sri Lanka Rugby Constitution correctly. The only Provincial Union registered under his alleged influence – Sabaragamuwa – was later deemed ineligible, having failed to submit audited accounts or prove participation in sanctioned tournaments.

“This alone demonstrates the Executive Director’s total disregard for the Constitution and his inability to act as a neutral administrator,” the Provincial Unions emphasised.

They said the foundation of this fiasco rests on the so-called “amended Constitution” – never legally adopted, never distributed to Provincial Unions or Clubs, and seconded by the Referees’ Society, which has no voting eligibility. This was an outright violation of the constitutional process, which clearly requires an elected Sri Lanka Rugby Council and a two-thirds majority approval at a Special General Meeting (SGM) to amend the Constitution. By bypassing this process, the WTF and its Executive Director have trampled upon the very “Bible” of Sri Lanka Rugby.

Unions are also of the view that the credibility of the five-member WTF is now beyond repair. They alleged that the members, respected in their professions, appear to have been used as cover for an illegal and politically engineered process.

“Instead of ensuring transparency and good governance, they have enabled a process designed to manipulate stakeholders and select candidates – a role they were never mandated to play,” the Unions alleged.

It was recalled that on 5 December 2024, an agreement was reached between the Ministry’s Competent Authority and the Provincial Unions: the AGM was to be conducted first, followed by an SGM to consider constitutional amendments. This was abruptly undermined when the Ministry dismissed the Competent Authority and appointed the WTF, thereby revoking all responsibilities and commitments under that agreement.

“This unilateral move exposes the deep political interference undermining Sri Lanka Rugby’s governance. There must be immediate resignation of the WTF members and the Executive Director,” said the Unions, who are keen on a free, fair, and transparent AGM. 

In this regard, they have called for the reinstatement of the 5 December 2024 agreement to conduct the AGM under proper constitutional procedures in addition to assurance that future nominations and elections are conducted only in accordance with the Constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby, free from political interference.

The Provincial Unions said they stand united in defence of the Constitution and the integrity of Sri Lanka Rugby. “Rugby does not belong to politicians, administrators, or outside bodies. It belongs to its members. Neither World Rugby nor Asia Rugby has any mandate to impose constitutional changes; their role must remain that of observers upholding good governance under the Olympic Charter,” they pointed out.

Sri Lanka Rugby has been held hostage by manipulation and corruption. This must end. Elections must be returned to the rightful path of constitutional governance so that rugby – and not vested interests – emerges the true winner.