• WR warns SL of immediate suspension
• SLR on the brink: Court battles, club rivalries, and a global ultimatum

As the Wednesday (8) deadline looms, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) stands at a historic crossroads. 

World Rugby (WR) has issued a final warning: if elections are not held by the stipulated date, a two-year suspension will take effect on Thursday (9), severing Sri Lanka’s ties with the global rugby community. 

The consequences would be catastrophic, halting international participation, cutting off funding, and stalling grassroots development across the island.

Contestants for president 

At the heart of the crisis is a high-stakes contest for the SLR presidency between Lasitha Gunaratne and Pavithra Fernando, both of whom hail from the same club, CR & FC, and school, Royal. 

While both candidates have cleared the eligibility and no-objection stages, their rivalry has sparked concern among stakeholders. Many question why two members of the same institution are locked in a power struggle while the sport itself teeters on the brink of collapse.

“This isn’t the rugby we fought for,” said a former member, his faded red blazer a symbol of better days. 

“It’s become a circus of courtrooms and power plays while the players, clubs, and fans are in the dark. After all these years under interim control, CR & FC could have worked with the other independent clubs to ensure a smooth election. If this is leadership, we want no part of it.”

Global pressure, local paralysis

World Rugby’s stance is uncompromising. The suspension would:

• Bar Sri Lanka from international competition, including the Asia Rugby Top 4 Series
• Cut off funding, technical support, and development grants

Cutting ties with Asia Rugby affects players, as they may lose access to international exposure, referee training, coaching pathways, and youth programmes.

“We have played through war, floods, and political chaos, but nothing hurts more than seeing our own administrators risk the future of the game,” said one rugby fan. “If they can’t hold an election, they shouldn’t hold the sport hostage.”

Grassroots forgotten

The impact won’t be in the boardrooms. Grassroots rugby, already starved of resources, will suffer most. Provincial unions, school programmes, and incubator clubs depend on international recognition for legitimacy and funding. 

The ongoing legal battles and elite infighting have left many disillusioned. “It’s not just about governance anymore,” said a coach. “It’s about survival. If the suspension hits, we lose everything — tournaments, training, even hope.”

Countdown to consequences

With the Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for next Wednesday, Sri Lankan rugby faces a tight deadline. Unless elections are held before the ultimatum expires, the WR suspension will be automatic. The Court of Appeal’s ruling tomorrow (6) could either clear the path or deepen the crisis.

In the end, this is more than a battle for the presidency; it’s a test of whether Sri Lanka Rugby can rise above factionalism and legal paralysis to reclaim its place on the global stage.

While preparations are underway to hold SLR’s long-delayed AGM on the said date, the legal landscape remains fraught with unresolved challenges. 

Two key cases — an enjoining order from the Colombo District Court (July 2025) and a contempt motion before the Court of Appeal (January–May 2025) — continue to cast a shadow over the process. 

The enjoining orders, filed by Western Province Rugby Football Union leaders Roshan Deen and Waruna de Silva, temporarily restrained the Working Task Force (WTF) from implementing a draft constitution that an AGM or Special General Meeting (SGM) had not ratified. 

Although these orders expired on 5 August, the underlying constitutional dispute remains unresolved. 

Meanwhile, the Court of Appeal is scheduled to deliver its ruling tomorrow regarding alleged contempt by Director General (DG) of Sports Shemal Fernando, who is accused of breaching a settlement tied to election procedures. 

The DG’s defence cited compliance, referencing the 20 December 2024 SGM and committee formation. 

The final ruling is expected tomorrow, just two days prior to the WR deadline.

With WR’s deadline fast approaching, failure to conduct elections on time could result in a two-year suspension, making the next few days critical for the sport’s future.

(The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the official position of this publication)