Right of reply
View(s):Retired DIG M.H. Marso has sent us the following response to our article titled Rugby in Confusion; TMOs are not referees” under Rugby Talk column.
I write with reference to the Article of Mr. Wimal Perera (WP) published in the Sunday Times of 13 May 2018 titled under ” Rugby in Confusion; TMOs are not referees”.
The writer in his article has stated that I had to resign as the President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union because I am no longer a member of a club since my retirement from the Sri Lanka Police. The reason for my resignation as mentioned by him is not factual.
For the information of rugby fraternity and the writer, I must say that I have obtained membership of the Havelocks SC just after my retirement.
I cannot understand how WP came to such a conclusion without any verification.
It also took me by surprise when WP stated in his article that “why Marso waited so long to resign”; and not stopping at that, he further went on to say categorically that it was I, who had told the reason (not a member of a club) for my resignation. Interestingly, for reason best known to him, he did not divulge from where he got the information with regard to the reason for my resignation. If he read my letter of resignation to the SLR, he will have a better understanding.
Having said all that, what is the impression that the writer is trying to give to the readers. Is it to say that I continued office that long as the President of WPRFU illegitimately; and that I have no respect to fair play and justice ? At this point of time, I opt to refrain from dwelling upon my deeds and leave it to for the rugby fraternity to decide. I have not met this gentleman for months and never spoke of anything serious of rugby with him.
As I understand the writer is a regular rugby columnist of Sunday Times, a freelance journalist not a reporter. He is either ill – informed or misinformed by some with vested interest.
I request that the same prominence is given by publishing to the facts that I have mentioned.
Yours Sincerely
M.H. Marso (Retd.DIG)