Speculation mounts over rugby nominations
Ambiguity continues to be the keyword in the affairs of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), as the much-anticipated Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections scheduled for September 9, appear to be heading towards uncertainty, according to informed sources. The Election Committee (EC), appointed to administer the long-overdue election process of SLR, has yet to make an official statement following the closure of nominations on Tuesday, 19 August, while speculation runs in both directions regarding the upcoming AGM.
A majority within the rugby fraternity believe that the entire list of nominations has been rejected, but sources suggest otherwise. It was reported that the EC had rejected the entire list, but in line with the norms of any sporting body’s election process, the final list of candidates contesting SLR positions cannot be revealed until the seven-day period for objections has lapsed.
Whatever happens behind the doors, rugby competitions at all levels, continue to steamroll and overshadow adminsitrative mishaps - Pic by M.A. Pushpa Kumara
According to the election timeline, the objection period ends this Tuesday (26). In practical terms, the final outcome of the SLR AGM can only be determined after the next 72 hours, when the EC is expected to issue an official announcement. Only then will it be confirmed whether, as speculated, the entire list was rejected, or if there are other flaws that must be addressed before the AGM can proceed.
This will be the third attempt to hold the SLR elections, following two failed efforts since the body was placed under a Competent Authority on 29 May 2024. Given the varied speculation, most SLR members had expected clarification not only from the EC but also from other responsible parties, including the Working Task Force.
The lack of clarity has left the entire fraternity in greater confusion, including the candidates themselves and the entities they represent, provincial unions, clubs, and other institutions. This has further deepened questions over good governance, accountability, and the legality of the process, issues which certain SLR affiliates have already raised in writing with the Working Task Force.
If, as speculated, the nominations have been rejected, many within the fraternity argue they have the right to know the reasons. They also complain that the official advertisement placed in local newspapers did not specify the time for opening nominations.
“The box containing the nominations was not opened in the presence of either the Election Committee or the contesting candidates,” complained a senior rugby expert.
In addition, incompetence on the part of several voting members, including a provincial union, a few leading clubs, and those unaware of the amended clauses of the new SLR Constitution, has further contributed to the likely collapse of the election process. The worst-case scenario is a complete restart of the process, should the entire list of nominations be rejected in line with the new Constitution.
However, there is another side to the speculation. Some claim that none of the nominations were rejected, but that certain technical flaws must be rectified to meet the requirements of the new SLR Constitution.
Despite the uncertainty, rugby experts have praised the firm approach of the Election Committee, chaired by retired Court of Appeal Judge Lalith Jayasuriya, who is said to be adhering strictly to the Constitution. The Working Task Force (WTF), having delegated full responsibility to the EC, has chosen to remain outside the fray, naming newly appointed SLR Executive Director, Chula Ariyaratne, as the point of contact for clarifications. However, Mr Ariyaratne has thus far remained unreachable for comment.
If the looming rejection of nominations proves accurate, it will add constitutional ambiguities and accountability issues to the already complex situation, leaving Sri Lanka Rugby in deeper turmoil. If it proves otherwise, there is still a chance for SLR to find its way back on track from its current derailed state.
With elections scheduled for September 9, the rugby fraternity awaits urgent clarification from the EC, the Working Task Force, and the Ministry of Sports on how this crisis will be resolved. Tuesday may well prove to be D-Day for the entire Sri Lankan rugby community.