Rejection of SLR AGM nominations exposes governance crisis

Friday, 22 August 2025 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The nomination process for the Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Annual General Meeting, held on 19 August has collapsed in total rejection — a direct result of proceeding under an illegally amended constitution.

What unfolded has raised grave questions about governance, accountability, and the very legality of the process.

Despite the chaos, no responsible authority has come forward to address the media. Instead, silence and evasion prevail, leaving the rugby fraternity in uncertainty. The public deserves answers: Who will take responsibility for this failure?

Reasons for total rejection of nominations

No nomination opening time was specified in the official advertisement.
Nomination box was not opened in front of the Election Committee and contesting candidates.
Sabaragamuwa Rugby Union has not sanctioned its tournaments and failed to provide audited reports.
No sanctioned tournament files have been maintained at the SLR office.
Incomplete submissions:
Contesting clubs failed to submit annual financial statements for the required period.
CR & FC’s nomination was not seconded, rendering it invalid.

The so-called amended constitution — adopted without legitimacy — provides for the recall of a Special General Meeting (SGM) or Annual General Meeting (AGM) in times of crisis. The collapse is nothing short of a crisis. The question remains: Why is this provision not being acted upon?

According to analysts Sri Lanka Rugby has once again been plunged into administrative chaos, with governance and transparency abandoned. Until accountability is restored, the credibility of the game will remain under threat, they argued.

For further clarification and official accountability, responsible authorities have been urged to come forward without delay.

Sources said these matters are generally handled by the stakeholders — the Provincial Councils. However, although clubs have been illegally granted voting rights and direct participation at the SGM and AGM, they have clearly not understood the process of submitting nominations. Furthermore, the Working Task Force (WTF) too has demonstrated no knowledge of proper process or good governance.

This entire drama, including the illegal amendments to the constitution, was articulated by the Ministry of Sports, World Rugby (WR), Asia Rugby (AR), and the WTF. It only exposes the deep pitfalls of this flawed process.

At this moment, it is important to commend the appointed Election Committee, who despite the chaos, went through the proper procedures and upheld good governance.

The so-called illegally amended constitution now raises a further question: Does it contain valid provisions and articles to move forward following the total tsunami rejection of nominations, or will the next steps too be illegally drafted? This uncertainty underscores the dangers of proceeding outside the bounds of legitimate governance.

All clubs, including Police SC and the Tri-Forces, should be vigilant and exercise extreme caution before placing their approval and signatures under this illegal process. By doing so, they risk being cited as respondents in future legal actions. It is strongly advised that all parties seek their own independent legal advice before making decisions and signing documents. In a court of law, ignorance will not be accepted as a defence.