“…If an AGM and proper elections of the SLRFU have not been held by June 1, 2010 I can confirm that from midnight on that date the SLRFU will be suspended as a member of the IRB “…This suspension will mean that the SLRFU will not be eligible for IRB funding or participation in any international matches at any level.”
This paragraph is from a letter written by Daivd Carrigy the head of External Affairs of the IRB and copied as a reminder in a letter addressed to the Deputy Director General of the Ministry of Sports. This letter is dated 07th May and written by the IRB Regional General Manager for Asia Jarrad Gallagher.
Writing further General Manager Gallagher sates that during his latest visit to Sri Lanka, on the 30th April; once again the AGM was not held due to lack of a quorum. This he says is of great concern as the deadline has been set by the IRB and the SLRFU may not be able to comply. In order to ensure an AGM takes place Gallagher met with the members of the quorum that did not attend the AGM. On 1st May five of the seven members attended this meeting. The purpose was to seek confirmation that they will attend next AGM which will be held before the end May 2010. The outcome of the meeting were that:
- A new SLRFU AGM to be called with notification and invitations as per the SLRFU Constitution.
- The reduced notification time for the AGM is accepted and agreed.
- The SLRFU Constitution states: There should be at least 4 weeks’ notice for an AGM should be given but they will accept the reduced notification time due to the special circumstances.
- The new AGM is to call for new nominations for the SLRFU positions.
- The nominations that were accepted for the two previously called AGMs to be maintained and included
Finally he recommends the Sports Ministry follow the above proceedure and call for an AGM to be held before the end of this month.
I spoke to Dr Maiya Gunasekera Chairman of the Interim Body to inquire whether he was aware of this letter. He confirmed that this letter was received via the SLRFU mail and he duly forwarded same to the Ministry. He was very optimistic that the AGM will be held as required and Sri Lanka will continue to be with the IRB and we will preserve our hundred year rugby history.
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| David Carrigy |
Dr. Maiya Gunasekera |
Gunasekera further stated that In Sri Lanka “everything works out well “and this too will work out well. His view was that The IRB wanted an elected body in place. He commented that the IRB was very patient and understanding in the past and will not pressurize on the method as it is the prerogative of the country to decide on issues such as; continue the meeting and or calling for fresh nominations. He said that the Ministry of Sport s will take a final decision shortly.
The view that is expressed by others is whether we could take chances with the International body. Then we will run the risk of being taken off the list and lose all that we have earned in status so far. In the meantime there are others who are blind to reality thinking that we can do without our affiliation. Such myopic thinking publicized and supported can push people into taking wrong decisions. Some of these views are put forward by people whose thinking is blinkered through pseudo patriotism and wish to be seen as those taking on the world. In reality it is an excuse to support one of their kinds who may see the others as intruders.
Gunasekera also explained that the referees too will have its AGM. He said that he has asked the Director General sport to conduct the election as the Interim Body is an appointment of the Ministry. He said that election too should be conducted as similar to the Ministry conducting the SLRFU meeting. Discussing other issues he said, “There is no appeal board and the past Presidents who were appointed have neither accepted nor rejected the invitation to sit on this board”. As a result one appeal is being held up. Others involved in the game think that the non acceptance is that they do not want to serve while the Interim is in office.
The game and its relationship to the world are in a spot of bother. Rugby still goes on though “what about its future” is to be decided. Will we think realistically and take notice of what needs to be done and or say who are they to tell us what we should do. The President of the Interim body stated that a war that was thought was unwinnable was won.
The government of the country stood up to the pressures of the world and also withstood the onslaught of personalities such as the British Foreign Secretary David Miliband. However if we have to write the epitaph after the IRB buries rugby in Sri Lanka it might be Mini Band ( Funeral Band ) that will be in last attendance.
*Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB |
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