Ministry of Sports hands suspension to rugby president

Ministry of Sports on Thursday (8) announced that Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Illyas has been handed a suspension from engaging in any rugby related activities in Sri Lanka.

The suspension has come in the wake of Asia Rugby’s (AR) decision to suspend Illyas several months ago.

The Minister of Sports – Roshan Ranasinghe in a letter addressed to the SLR secretary and Chief Executive Officer – informed that in the best interest of male and female rugby players of Sri Lanka as well as the future of the game, the ministry has made this decision until the end of pending inquiry of Illyas conducted by Asia Rugby.

Illyas when contacted by Daily Mirror stated that he is already seeking legal advice.

“Obviously the ministry has made a decision, so I have to respect the Minister’s decision, but I am already seeking legal advice and as of now that’s all I can say,” Illyas said.

Illyas although was able to get rugby back in the island after huge setback during the times of Covid 19, has always had trouble dealing with the Ministry of Sports.

Former Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa in particular has had a very public fallout with Illyas which made administrating rugby very difficult for Illyas although he came out victorious in most of those battles.

However, it must also be stated that Sri Lanka’s rugby has hit new lows over the last couple of months with national sevens team finishing as low as seventh in the UAE leg of Asia Rugby Seven Series which came to an end at Al Ain a couple of weeks ago.

Ministry of Sports has also been in the centre of unwanted attention following the way Minister Roshan Ranasinghe has carried his responsibilities with Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) also making a formal complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC).

 (Harsha Amarasinghe)