• Decades-old Fijian rugby scandal to the fore 

Former Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Illyas has called on Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, to launch an independent and long-overdue investigation into the Fijian rugby players scandal, which tarnished the country’s sporting image over a decade ago.

Illyas-a businessman turned sports administrator, who helmed the game’s domestic ruling body from 2020-23, stated that he is in possession of documentation in physical and digital form to substantiate his charges linked to the scandal and noted that he will produce it upon request.

“I urge the Sports Minister to initiate an independent inquiry into the allegations that I have raised,” he told The Daily Morning Sports.

“I demand that the Minister take measures to conduct requisite forensic audits into the misappropriation of fund allegations I have submitted, and refer suspected criminal offences to the appropriate channels for prompt action.”

The Fijian rugby scandal which erupted in 2014, termed by rugby critics as the ‘biggest self-inflicted wound’ in the 140-plus history of the game in this country, saw three players from the pacific-island nation being recruited to represent Sri Lanka.

The match in question was the Asian 5 Nations (Division 1) against Philippines in Colombo, and the Fijian trio who turned out for Sri Lanka who were at the time led by flanker Namal Rajapaksa, were Emori Waqavulagi, Joseph Dunn and Apisai Naqaliva, respectively.

They had been presented to World Rugby then known as IRB-International Rugby Board with Sri Lankan passports and residency documents.

However, in November, 2015 Waqavulagi had turned up in the Fiji Sevens squad for the Dubai Sevens leg with IRB flagging the same name as a Sri Lanka Player.

Subsequently an investigation by WR had found documents incomplete/invalid-while failing to meet its stringent 36-month residency rule (at that time) nor passport rule, with WR asking the local body to show cause.

However, representations by the then Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) proved to be of no avail, as they pleaded guilty in effect, while a fine of 50.000 pounds was slapped on the SLRFU.

The SLRFU requested to pay the fine in 10 annual installments-5000 pounds per year, deducted from World Rugby annual development grant, with no official from the local institution ever being held personally accountable for the fiasco.

Illyas said the current Government cannot overlook the debilitating impact the Fijian scandal has had on rugby in Sri Lanka since then, and asserted if called upon to support an inquiry he would oblige without any hesitancy.

“I have said all along, forged identity and player documentation was used to facilitate Fijians representing Sri Lanka,” the former SLR boss emphasised.

“My demand is for an investigation into the individuals who prepared, supplied, authorised or used the disputed documents, and hold the then office bearers accountable for their actions.”

Illyas further revealed that rugby development funds were either used or reduced to meet the funds, while insisting on the importance of an inquiry to trace the liabilities, payment arrangements, and authorisations, to establish the loss to the sport and to determine who should be held responsible.

He added that he has already written to three previous Sports Ministers besides the incumbent Minister, apart from raising the same issue via the Sports Ministry’s Ombudsman several years ago, but noted none have borne fruit to date.

“I am yet to be informed of a completed independent inquiry linked to the responsibility of the office bearers concerned.”

He continued “My grouse is that serious complaints backed by documents have not received the independent examination and follow through it requires. The Minister has even publicly discussed the rugby fine in Parliament. I ask him to explain what action followed, who was tasked with investigating, what progress has been made and why the complainant and public have not received a clear outcome.”

Ex-Sri Lanka fullback Asanga Seneviratne served as the head of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU)-now called Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), from 2012 January to 2018 July.

Illyas also called on the Minister to request all officials of the SLRFU linked to the Fijian rugby fiasco to step down from their posts which they hold currently.

Failing, he urged the Minister to suspend them from holding positions until an inquiry is held into the scandal, as that would be in keeping with the Government's motto of ensuring good governance in sports administrations.