The writ petition filed by Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) and its President Rizly Illyas challenging the legality of the Gazette notification issued by Sports Minister is to be taken up for hearing on July 25. 

The Court of Appeal is to hear motions filed by Sports Minister and SLR President Rizly Illyas on that date.

On July 14, the Court of Appeal issued an Interim Order  preventing Sports Authorities from interfering with the administration and affairs of Sri Lanka Rugby. This interim order will be effective until the final determination of the writ petition.

The petitioners The Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), SLR President Rizly Illyas and seven other office bearers of SLR filed this petition challenging the legality of the Gazette notification dated 11.04.2023 issued by Sports Minister  which suspends the activities of Sri Lanka Rugby and its chairman Rizly Illyas Sri Lanka Rugby.

Dr. Faisz Musthapha PC, Counsel Keerthi Tillekaratne, Attorney at Law, Panduka Keerthinanda appeared for the petitioners. 

Senior Additional Solicitor Sumathi Dharmarathna PC appeared for the Sports Minister. Uditha Igalahewa PC appeared for the 4th to 12th Respondents. Faizer Musthapha PC appeared for the Intervient Petitioner. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)