By Harsha Amarasinghe

The post of President at Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has been restricted to four years after implementing new amendments to the Constitution during a Special General Meeting (SGM) which was held yesterday.

The latest amendments will also allow incumbent President Asanga Seneviratne to contest for a fresh term.

“One person could serve as the President of SLR for only four years (two two-year terms) according to the new amendments with effect from April 11, 2018. Earlier, the Sports Laws had not included such restrictions, but for the betterment of the game these adjustments have been implemented,” SLR Secretary Nazim Mohamed told Daily Mirror yesterday.

Meanwhile, the SLR Executive Committee is also set to be featured by one female representative for the first time in history.

“There are eight members in the Executive Committee and according to the new amendments, one of them will be a female representative which I hope will help Women’s rugby in Sri Lanka even more,” the SLR President Asanga Senevirathne said in an interview with Daily Mirror as soon as the meeting was concluded yesterday.

The continuous disputes between the SLR and Sri Lanka School Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) have done no favours for the development of the country’s rugby, and SLR have taken a bold move which could unite the two associations.

“In addition to the President, there will be a Deputy President in the SLR from next term onwards. There will also be two Vice-Presidents and one of them will be the President of SLSRFA,” Mohamed added.

The process of appointing a National Selection Committee, Referee Review Committee and a Player Review Committee, has also been discussed during the meeting.

The next Annual General Meeting of SLR will be held before May 31, 2018.