Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Thursday Oct 23, 2025
Saturday, 4 October 2025 01:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Sri Lanka Rugby, which is scheduled for 8 October, is set to be one of the most significant in recent times as it will decide the future leadership of the sport for the 2025–27 term. The meeting will be held at the Duncan White Auditorium at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports which will kick off at 3 p.m. If this is failed Sri Lanka is assured of being banned plus no international rugby for the athletes.
National Olympic Committee President Suresh Subramaniam was notified of the seriousness of the AGM to be completed by 8 October without any further delays. This warning was issued at the World Rugby Forum which took place in Dublin, Ireland where the Working Task Force headed by SDIG M. Lateef and his committee was not able to send a representative from Sri Lanka. World Rugby gave ample notice where the WTF refrain from sending Sri Lanka Rugby Rugby Director Inthi Marikar and nominating Nalin De Silva who too could not make it where the reason was not clear.
Former Sri Lanka skipper CR and FC and national player Pavithra Fernando will face off against Lasintha Gunaratne another former Royal, national CR player and former SLR President and Vice President.
However, early signs suggest that Fernando may hold the upper hand. With the majority of members of his team being elected uncontested but with CH and Kandy backing Lasitha anything could be possible which is on the cards. Pavithra nomination came from CR and FC, and it was seconded by Sri Lanka Police SC.
On the other hand, Gunaratne, who was nominated by CH and FC and seconded by Kandy SC, is preparing for a tough battle. A veteran administrator, he has already held the presidency and is keen to reclaim the position, although the numbers at present appear to favour his younger opponent. The shocking episode of the former Sri Lankan player Pradeep Basnayake nomination was rejected without a clear reason.
The election process itself is being overseen by a five-member Election Committee. Voting rights at the AGM will be crucial in shaping the outcome. The powerful clubs and services teams carry the following entitlements: Kandy SC (6 votes), CR & FC (6), CH & FC (6), Havelocks SC (6), Police SC (7), Army SC (7), Air Force SC (7), Navy SC (7), Sabaragamuwa Province (2) and University (1).
