WR formally endorses SLR constitutional changes
World Rugby (WR) has formally endorsed a new constitution for Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), marking a significant milestone in the restructuring of rugby administration in the island nation following months of negotiations between domestic and international stakeholders.
In a letter WR’s Chief of International Federation, David Carrigy confirmed the organisation’s support for the proposed constitutional reforms that were initially submitted on May 27, 2025 for their review.
The new constitution represents the culmination of extensive collaboration between the National Olympic Committee (NOC), Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry, Asia Rugby, and various domestic rugby stakeholders. The reforms were developed under the guidance of a Constitutional Review Group, which was established to address longstanding administrative challenges within SLR.
“It is encouraging to see the progress which has been made by all stakeholders,” Carrigy wrote in his official response.
“World Rugby is grateful for the collaborative nature in which the NOC, Sports Ministry, Asia Rugby and domestic stakeholders have come together to progress this important matter for rugby in Sri Lanka.”
This agreement signals a new era of governance for the sport in the country, with all domestic stakeholders sharing a common vision for rugby’s future administration.
Notably, the constitution was drafted with assistance from independent legal advisers and explicitly states that it will operate in accordance with World Rugby Regulations and Bye-laws. This ensures international compliance while maintaining the autonomy necessary for effective domestic rugby governance.
The next crucial step involves submitting the agreed constitution to domestic courts for formal approval and adoption. WR has indicated its expectation that the constitution will safeguard autonomous decision-making on all administrative matters once it receives court approval, while still respecting domestic sports law requirements.
“As previously communicated, World Rugby anticipates that, while recognising the domestic sports law, the Constitution will be applied to safeguard the autonomy of decision making on all administrative matters once formally adopted,” the letter which has been also copied to Asia Rugby (AR) President Qais Al-Dhalal and WR Regional Partnership Manager for Asia Ridzal Saat reads.
Following court approval, SLR, now under a five-member Working Task Force (WTF), will conduct elections under the new constitutional framework to fill all vacant positions within the organisation’s governing bodies.
SLR was put charge under a Competent Authority through a gazette notification on May 29, 2024 by the then Sports Minister Harin Fernando, after the elected President Rizly Illyas stepped down on August 21, 2023 following WR demands. Then, the then Deputy President elect, Nalin de Silva, took charge of SLR as Acting President until the incumbent Director General of Sports, Shemal Fernando was appointed the Competent Authority.
Since then WR and AR have issued up to six separate deadlines to conduct SLR and adopt the new constitution in accordance to their recommendations, or face sanctions. In 2025 alone, two deadlines were issued—one on or before January 13, and the latest being June 15, according to an official and immaculate letter issued on February 14, by WR, signed by Carrigy himself.