The new panel had enough in just nine days. (Pic Berty Mendis)

In another bizarre twist to what would make even the bestselling mystery writer jealous, National Rugby Selection Committee Chairman Rohan Abeykoon along with three other selectors said they had tendered in their resignation with immediate effect at a hastily summoned press conference at CH and FC.

This was following the dropping of Kandy SC’s Number Eight Imran Bisthimin by Sports Minister Gamini Lokuge from the squad of 24 picked by the selectors for Asian Rugby Tournament to be held in Taiwan from November 12.

In a statement issued to the media, Abeykoon along with Chaminda Rupasinghe, Nizam Mohammad, and Hafeez Marso (the fifth selector Rohantha Peiris is not in the country) stated that they were unanimous in their displeasure when Secretary to the Ministry S. Liyanagama stated that the minister wanted Centre Gayan Weeraratne and Bisthimin omitted from the list in a meeting held on Thursday. Subsequently Weeraratne was retained.When questioned as to why they were resigning because of one player, Abeykoon responded; “As seasoned rugby journalists who would you have in your team, Bisthimin or his replacement in the team B. D. N. Fernando of Police.” The answer was the former.
Abeykoon added; “We were appointed by the Minister on October 22. In just nine days we attended trials and picked two teams. The first one we picked was the Junior team for the Asiad in Korea. Over the past few days I have not been able to answer the question as to why we picked two captains. Now I can tell that too was on the Minister’s instructions. As selectors we were unanimous that Dilanka Wijesekera should captain the team.”

He added; “Together we count over ten years playing experience at the highest level. In addition the Minister did not inform us that he was naming Fernando as the replacement for Bisthimin. According to the brief given to us we selected a side we believe could even win the tournament and get promoted to the Asian Five Nations Tournament. We want the general public to know that the team published was not the one we selected and thus we do not wish to remain in office.”Rupasinghe who was appointed as Manager for the tour said he was surprised at the appointment as he was to go to Taiwan as the tour selector. He stated; “I found out only this morning.” He added; “Unlike these guys, I will have to hand over two letters to the Minister first thing tomorrow morning.”

Liyanagama speaking to The Sunday Times; “I am rather surprised at what has happened. If they the selectors were so upset why did not they say so at the meeting held on Thursday. The Minister has the right to make any change. For example in cricket sometime ago to accommodate Sanath Jayasuriya another player had to be dropped.

He does not have to give any reasons. But I can tell you that the Minister studied all the reports very closely before making his decision. And he did not want two players excluded only one.
Liyanagama added that he did not recall the Minister making any statement with whom he wanted as captain.

Liyanagama said in conclusion some three hours after the press conference; “I spoke to Minister Gamini Lokuge just a few minutes ago. He had heard that the selectors were planning on having a press conference some time today. But as at now he has not received anything in writing from the selectors.”

In another development, informed sources said players who represent Kandy SC may withdraw from the side again following the axeing of Bisthemin.