- Champions cry foul over new module
Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Pavithra Fernando responding to a recent letter sent to him by Kandy SC President Mahesh Weerasinghe, over the latter’s opposition to the grand final module formulated for the upcoming Club League, has expressed serious concerns over the Nittawela-based club’s volte-face.
A copy of the letter obtained by The Daily Morning Sports, shows that Fernando has pointed out that Kandy SC representative Ashan Ratwatte had been present at the council meeting held on 16 October when the latter had opted to ratify the Executive Committee’s decision to revise the league format.
Fernando had stated that at the said meeting the matter concerned had been discussed in detail and received full clarification on the structure of the grand final format.
He had noted that no objections had been raised at the time, and it is therefore deeply concerning that the same decision is now being queried almost three weeks later, especially after sponsorship agreements have been finalised based on the proposed structure.
The SLR President in his letter has explained that the decision to introduce a grand final at the conclusion of the league tournament, had been taken following detailed evaluation of what would best serve the long-term interests of the game here.
The ex-national skipper has pointed out that over the years, it has become evident that fan enthusiasm in club rugby had steadily declined-where venues that once drew capacity crowds are currently in need of bums on seats for most matches.
He has therefore stressed that the change of the league format aims to reignite spectator interest, enhance commercial value, and restore the excitement that once defined domestic rugby.
On the question of whether it was fair and just to have a playoff last season between Kandy SC and Havelocks SC, the former powerhouse loose forward has cited the recent example of the India Women’s cricket team who famously won the recent World Cup, in spite of losing three matches in the round-robin phase.
Fernando has emphasised to the Kandy SC President that this is the very reason where finals tend to reward teams’ ability to perform when it matters most.
He has stated that this is the same principle applied globally in rugby as well as in other professional sports, insisting that it is hardly a question of fairness but one of competition, resilience and audience engagement-values which SLR intends to embrace if the sport is to move forward.
He has further mentioned that while he acknowledges Weerasinghe’s views on consultation, he would hasten to reiterate that once a decision is formally approved through the proper governance process, it invariably becomes binding on all participating clubs.
The SLR head has added that sponsors have already come on board primarily based on the new tournament framework, which includes foreign player participation and the revised league format featuring a grand final.
He has lastly maintained that the aforesaid elements were central to their sponsorship talks, and any 11th hour ruckus could seriously jeopardise those commercial commitments and affect the controlling body’s credibility with its partners.
The Inter-Club League Tournament is set to kick off on Friday (14) when Havelocks SC host Navy SC at Havelock Park.