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Seesaw battle ends as Rizly Illyas resigns

21 Aug 2023 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}      

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Rizly Illyas has confirmed stepping down from the post after what proved to be a highly controversial tenure which saw him in the battles all the time for all the wrong reasons.

"I am very disheartened by what transpired in Court today.I trust that my stepping down from the post of President would clear the way for the effective functioning of Sri Lanka Rugby free from interference. Hence, in deference to the decision of Asia Rugby, I formally step down as President of Sri Lanka Rugby with immediate effect.
I thank you and all my colleagues at Sri Lanka Rugby for the kindness and co-operation extended to me. I trust that Asia Rugby and World Rugby would continue to support Sri Lanka Rugby," Illyas revealed in a statement.

Illyas has had a very difficult start to his tenure during which Sri Lanka were struck by the COVID 19 and falling out with then Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa saw things going from bad to worse for the President.

Illyas did not hesitate to take up matters to court when needed but in the meantime had to deal with suspension from Asia Rugby and World Rugby which made it quiet difficult for the SLR Boss.

However, after nearly four years of seesaw battle, Illyas finally opted to resign.(Harsha Amarasinghe)


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