Sri Lanka Referees AGM on 14 January

Gamini Fernando

Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa

Retired DIG Charles Wijewardena

By Shamseer Jaleel

Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees Association (SSRFA) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 14 January at Ariyana Reach Hotel in Maharagama commencing at 9.30 am.

Three former top class rugby players and referees Gamini Fernando, Lt. General Denzil Kobbekaduwa and DIG Charles Wijewardena are the three of them. Both Gamini and Denzil played for Trinity College while Charles represented Vidyartha College was considered as the King of Kicking in his time. All three were top class players and administrators. Gamini Fernando was the President of the Referees Society in 1993 and 1994 while Lt. General Denzil Kobbekaduwa was the President from 1982 to 85. Top class place kicker Charles Wijewardena was the Secretary of the Society in 1989 and 1990.

Denzil represented Trinity College at Rugby Football, Cricket and Hockey and went on to captain the Under 19 rugby outfit in 1959. He was awarded with Rugby Lion. Gamini Fernando too played for Trinity in rugby and cricket. Represented Trinity in 1958 and 59 later on played for Havies and the national outfit. He was also a national rugby coach being a top-class administrator at the Park Club. Charles played for Vidyartha in 1965 and later on Air Force, Kandy SC, CR and FC and Police. He was one of the best place kickers produced by the country.

There will be token of appreciation for esteemed Institution who has sponsored the Society along with Sri Lanka Rugby, Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association and Mercantile Rugby Football Association.

Former Prince of Wales and one of the top-class referees Dinka Peiris is expected to continue with the President’s position for yet another term.