• Vows to challenge for silverware within 2 years

The President of the ‘indomitable’ Sri Lions Sports Club Dr. Kelum Sujith Perera says that his team’s promotion to compete in the ‘A’ Division Inter-Club Rugby Tournament from next month is fully justified as they have earned their place based on merit.

In an interview with The Sunday Morning Sports, Dr. Perera said that there was no foundation for the opposition to his club’s ascent to the country’s top rugby circuit.

He opined that some opponents feared that Sri Lions would be capable of laying a serious claim to silverware in a couple of years’ time.

He was also of the view that the country’s rugby development was currently stunted by personal agendas and a focus on monetary gains.

Following are excerpts:

How do you assess your club’s promotion to the ‘A’ Division?

Our promotion to the ‘A’ Division league is entirely legitimate. We followed all the necessary protocols and took part in the ‘B’ Division league last year to ensure our path was transparent and rule-compliant. Sri Lions have been actively involved in international rugby since 2019 and we believe we have earned our place in the top league.

Some prominent ‘A’ Division clubs have opposed your promotion. What do you think is the reason behind their objections?

Honestly, we are not sure what we have done to provoke these reactions. We have faced resistance before, even in the ‘B’ Division, where our supporters were once barred from watching a match. We try to maintain a positive attitude and continue focusing on what matters – improving our performance on the field.

Can you give us some background on your club and your thoughts on whether promoting more teams to the ‘A’ Division dilutes its quality?

Sri Lions was established in the UAE in 2019, and we have since expanded to several countries, including Sri Lanka. 

We are more than just a rugby club – we are an international sports and community organisation. Here in Sri Lanka, we focus on developing sports like rugby and netball. Our long-term goal is to establish ourselves across seven districts and build one of the largest stadiums in Asia.

Regarding the league, I don’t believe promoting more teams will dilute it. In fact, it will increase competition, which only helps the game grow.

Your players are required to complete certain rugby courses before playing for the club. Can you explain the reasoning behind that?

We mandate our players to achieve the World Rugby Level 1 certification. The idea is simple: if the players know the game better, they will play better. It reduces fouls and encourages modern rugby standards. We believe this approach can have a lasting impact on raising the overall quality of the game.

How do you manage to sustain your club financially and what is your budget for a single season?

Our funding primarily comes from management, investors, and sponsors. Lakbima Cargo is our international primary sponsor, and locally we are supported by JAT and Power World, among others. These partnerships, whether financial or service-based, are crucial to pushing our initiatives forward.

What are your views on the current rugby scene in Sri Lanka and do you see a future for it?

Sri Lankan rugby has immense potential. However, its growth is currently hampered by personal agendas and a focus on monetary gain. We need a stronger management structure and a constitution dedicated to the sport’s development. With the right framework, we can be back on the international radar in no time.

Have you managed to recruit any prominent players and will there be any schoolboys joining your team?

Yes, we have secured a few key players, with Kevin Kutty leading as our Captain. As for young talent, we are always on the lookout for promising schoolboys who have the potential to excel at the club level.

Do you think Sri Lions will be in for the long haul or could it fizzle out like some clubs in the past?

Sri Lions are here for the long haul. We established ourselves in 2019 with a clear seven-year plan, and we are already finalising our budget for the next three years in Sri Lanka. Planning for the future is vital to our sustainability. 

I vouch to you that within a two-year time period, Sri Lions will be a major contender for the main trophies on offer in the club rugby firmament. This is not a boast but a prediction rooted in reality and logic. 

What advice would you give to Sri Lanka’s rugby-loving public?

To all the rugby fans, let’s come together and celebrate the sport. Support the teams, attend matches, and embrace the beauty of rugby. We can take Sri Lankan rugby to new heights with collective passion and commitment.

Lastly, how do you respond to allegations that your club curried favour with the Sports Ministry Director General by sponsoring the U18 team in order to facilitate your promotion to the ‘A’ Division from the 2024-’25 season?

These allegations are entirely false and baseless. They are fabricated charges. There is absolutely no connection between our sponsorship of the U18 team and our promotion to the ‘A’ Division. 

Sri Lions have a long history of supporting Sri Lankan sports at both national and international levels. We have sponsored multiple teams, including the Sri Lanka U21 cricket team during their Dubai tour and have represented the country in international tournaments such as the Dubai 7s. 

Furthermore, we organised the first-ever Sri Lankan U18 Rugby 10-A-Side Tournament last year, which was also one of many initiatives we took toward developing sports, specifically youth sports. We have also worked to establish an all-Sri Lankan netball team in the UK. Our sponsorship of the U18 rugby team is simply another part of our ongoing effort to develop Sri Lankan sports.

As for the bribery allegations, they are not only untrue but also insulting to the integrity of both our organisation and the sports bodies involved. Sri Lions are focused on the growth and upliftment of sports, not on playing political games. 

Given our track record, it is clear that we operate with transparency and for the betterment of the game, and we believe it is time to move past these unfounded rumours. Our focus remains on building a brighter future for Sri Lankan sports and we will continue to do so regardless of baseless accusations.