Sri Lanka Referees AGM Three former legends to be felicitated on Jan. 14

By Shamseer Jaleel

Three rugby stalwarts and referees will be felicitated at the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on January 14 at Ariyana Reach Hotel in Maharagama. 
Gamini Fernando, Lt. Gen Denzil Kobbekaduwa and DIG Charles Wijewardena will be felicitated at this event. Both Fernando and Kobbekaduwa played for Trinity College while Wijewardene represented Vidyartha College. All three were top class players and administrators of the game. Fernando was the President of the Referees Society in 1993 and 1994 while Kobbekaduwa was the President of the SLSRFR from 1982 to 85. Top class place kicker, Wijewardena was the Secretary of the Society in 1989 and 1990. 

Kobbekaduwa represented Trinity College at rugby, cricket and hockey and went on to captain the Under 19 rugby outfit in 1959. He was awarded with Rugby Lion. Fernando too played for Trinity in rugby and cricket. He represented Trinity in 1958 and 59 later on played for Havies and the national outfit. He was also a national rugby coach being a top-class administrator at the Park Club. He played for Vidyartha in 1965 and later for Air Force, Kandy SC, CR & FC and Police. 

There will be tokens of appreciation for esteemed institutions who has sponsored the Society along with Sri Lanka Rugby, Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association and Mercantile Rugby Football Association. Referee Dinka Peiris is expected to continue in the President’s position for yet another term.