• Says will prove worth and score for players

Legal Advisor to the newly formed Sri Lanka Rugby Players Association (SLRPA) Jivan Goonetileke says that the formation of the first-ever players’ body, will not be a stepping stone to grab positions at Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR). 

“The only reason why we would ask for membership at SLR, is to further the views and interests of the players,” the former Thomian skipper cum flanker, told the media, in response to a question posed, following the inaugural sessions of the SLRPA held at Olympic House in Colombo last Thursday (22).

“Hence this will not be a stepping stone to go and ask for nominations or pick up positions there (SLR). That is certainly not our objective and I speak on behalf of the newly elected membership here.”

He said that the SLRPA will first need to prove its worth and for its membership to have confidence that they will look into their interests first, before even mulling applying for SLR membership.

He stressed that though they hope to have one of their members in a future Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Council, that will not define them and what they stand for.

Goonetileke, an Attorney-at-Law said that the SLRPA will need to make an impactful contribution towards rugby and that afterwards if it is the intention of its founder members to apply for SLR membership.

The new association has been formed to dedicate themselves to the rights and wellbeing of rugby players in this country, its Secretary ex-Sri Lanka and Havelocks number eight Sudharshana Muthuthanthri said.

The head of the association, former combative Sri Lanka, CR and FC and Royal flanker Pavithra Fernando said that their primary task will be to get recognition among the sport’s local controlling body and then seek to liaise with the international players associations.

“We want our governing body, the SLR, to approve us first,” the ex-loose forward said.

“Once we show our worth, then we can take our message across to the rest of the associations outside Sri Lanka and score for both the game and the players. This will be a systematic process and I don’t think we could achieve all our goals overnight however noble they may be.”

Fernando added that once the SLRPA is able to get a firm foothold in the domestic sporting landscape, they will be able to offer opportunities for local players to turn out for overseas clubs along with various other opportunities for them to go places.

He remarked that currently there were around 350 unofficial members attached to the SLRPA and said that once the eligibility criteria are officially released, they will reveal the precise number of the membership.

It was further disclosed at the maiden sessions of the SLRPA, that they will strive hard to represent the collective interests of local rugby players both past and present.

Its leadership also underscored the fact that they will also operate as a neutral independent body committed solely towards players’ wellbeing.

According to rugby analysts, the launch of the first-ever Sri Lanka Rugby Players Association marks a significant shift towards unity and empowerment in the local rugby arena; one that if nurtured, effectively will have the scope to transcend divisions and redefine how the rugby community supports its own.

The SLRPA board

Trustees:  Asanga Seneviratne, Hisham Abdeen and Rohan Gunaratne

Office bearers 

President – Pavithra Fernando

Vice Presidents – Ashean Karthelis and Fazil Marija

Gen. Secy. – Sudharshana Muthuthanthri

Asst. Gen Secy. – Shamly Nawaz

Treasurer – Rajive Perera

Asst. Treasurer – Bhanuka Nanayakkara

Committee members: Pradeep Basnayake, Anura Shantha, Rukshani Ariyasena, Jivan Goonetileke (Legal Advisor), Sujani Rathnayaka and Kavinda Jayasena