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Sri Lanka Rugby faces an imminent ban from World Rugby if no election of office bearers takes place and the sport’s affairs are not governed under a new Constitution by October 19.
World Rugby, which has granted Sri Lanka over a year to resolve internal disputes and organizational issues, has now issued a final warning in a letter to the National Olympic Committee.
An election of office bearers was initially scheduled for September 9 but was postponed to October 8. World Rugby has made it clear that no further delays will be tolerated.
With just a week remaining before the elections, another court case threatens to derail the process, potentially paving the way for World Rugby to enforce sanctions.
Two factions, led by Pavitra Fernando and Lasitha Gunaratne, are competing for control of Sri Lanka Rugby, creating the worst scenario in the country’s rugby history. Fernando’s team has reportedly secured key positions, including deputy president (Shanitha Fernando), vice president (Chintaka Perera), and secretary (Subash Jayatilleke).
Since the departure of the last elected head, Rizly Illyas, Sri Lanka Rugby has struggled with court battles, delaying the formation of a new Constitution and the crucial election of office bearers.
For nearly two years, the sport was administered under a government-appointed Competent Authority, which has since been abolished. Currently, rugby administration is managed by a Working Task Force, but bureaucratic interference continues, with government officials attempting to influence the selection of the next leadership team.
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