Seesaw Battle Ends as Rizly Illyas Resigns

By Harsha Amarasinghe  

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 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  on Sunday. 

Illyas has had a very difficult start to his tenure during which Sri Lanka was struck by the Covid-19 pandamic and before 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 matters to court when needed but in the meantime had to deal with suspension from Asia Rugby and World Rugby which made it quite difficult for the SLR Boss.   
However, after nearly four years of a seesaw battle, Illyas finally opted to resign.