The Stabilization Committee appointed by the Sports Minister to carry out the temporary operational procedure relating to Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has filed an appeal before the Supreme Court challenging the legality of the interim order issued by the Court of Appeal.

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.

President’s Counsel Uditha Igalahewa appearing for the Stabilization Committee raised objections to support the motion filed by SLR since an appeal has already been filed before the Supreme Court.

Accordingly, the Court of Appeal two-judge-bench comprising Justices Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and M.A.R. Marikkar fixed the petition for August 3.

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)