• Warns will resort to legal action to recover his dues 
• Former Prez had forked out Rs 9 million to overcome acute financial shortfall

Ex-head of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Rizly Illyas in a registered post letter dated 23 October and sent to current SLR President Pavithra Fernando and his Ex-Co, has urged them to pay a balance sum of Rs 4.7 million which is owed by the game’s governing body to him and within a two-week period.

According to the letter-a copy of which has been obtained by The Daily Morning Sports, Illyas who headed the institution from 2020-23 before resigning, had forked out Rs 9 million to the SLR of his own funds, to tide over a severe financial shortfall with a part of the said amount already paid to him.

He has stated that he had resorted to his actions at the time, as the institution had lacked sufficient funds to conduct tournaments, undertake tours, and meet essential operational commitments.

Illyas has explained that all monies advanced by him had been credited directly to the official SLR account, while noting that the advances had been made with the clear understanding and expectation, that reimbursement would be effected no sooner the SLRs financial position stabilised.    

He has also pointed out that the advances have been properly recorded and reflected in SLRs financial statements. 

The former SLR administrator has also notably highlighted a few related issues on the financial status of the game’s local ruling body under his watch.

They include “There being no outstanding EPF dues during his tenure, all EPF payments for 2021 and 22 (up to September) being fully settled, cheques being signed and arranged for remaining 2022 EPF obligations, payments being continued during the interim administrative period and from December 2023 to May 2024, until cancellation of the SLR registration, payments had been duly effected.”

He has stressed that at the time of his resignation, SLR had sufficient funds available, and that however in the broader interest of rugby and institutional stability, he had to date refrained from insisting on prompt recovery of his dues.

The ex-head with reference to the financial stability achieved during his presidency, has pointed to him being able to secure and attract multiple key sponsors, maintain steady financial inflows, ensure uninterrupted conduct of tournaments and tours, and guarantee timely payment of staff salaries and operational expenses.

Illyas has maintained that before his election, the incumbent SLR leadership had raised concerns regarding his matter, but has observed that thus far neither he nor the current SLR Ex-Co, has conducted an inquiry over the same.

He has said that he welcomes a formal and a transparent inquiry, so that any concerns could be clearly recorded, backed by evidence and addressed fairly.

He has further emphasised that elected office bearers of any sporting body have a responsibility to address outstanding financial obligations and respond positively to claims brought before them, notwithstanding SLRs commitment to good governance and the available sponsorship support.  

In the event that SLR is unable to release the full sum in a single payment, Illyas has conveyed that he is even willing to accept repayments in three to four instalments, to be completed within a maximum period of 45 to 60-days, from the date of the receipt of his Registered Post letter.

He has added that if any part of his claim is disputed, then the SLR should provide reasons along with supporting documents within the said 14-day period, and has concluded his letter with a warning.

Illyas, who has called for a prompt and amicable resolution of the issue, has stated that failing to offer a satisfactory response or settlement of his dues within the said period of the receipt of his correspondence, he reserves the right to seek legal redress.

According to rugby analysts the letter seeking rightful dues by former President Rizly Illyas could be the final nail in the coffin for the current SLR Council led by Pavithra Fernando. 

The Council which assumed power on a ticket of good governance have stumbled from one disaster to another in the aftermath of the Korean visa farce last June. 

With the national team also cutting a sorry figure on the pitch both locally and overseas rugby critics note it will be up to the  Minister to overhaul the administration forthwith before further upheaval could drag the sport into oblivion.