Sajith Saranga Saga Continues

By Shamseer Jaleel

The talk of the town in schools rugby arena these days are on Isipathana. The player in question is the crack school boy Ruggerite Sajith Saranga. He is also a national player. The question asked by many quarters are is he eligible to play this season? Has Isipathana violated the rule?

If so what should be the punishment for the player and the school? Or is it the Education Department circular clear enough? These are the points to be answered by the committee in the next few days.

The drama started when Isipathana locked horns against Dharamaraja in Kandy two weeks ago. Though this match was expected to be trouble free a different type of problem was encountered by the match Commissioner Ruban Wijewardena when the Rajans lodged a complaint against a few players from Isipathana who are not eligible to be in school.

The players mentioned but the Rajans were T. H. D. Udayanga, M. D. Chathuranga and Saranga Suriyabandara. In the end Pathana went on to win the game easily by 26-0.

As per reliable source from Dharmaraja after the incident was reported to Match Commissioner who should inform the Tournament Committee who will take the final decision. But unfortunately Dharmaraja Principal is the chairman of this tournament organizing committee.

As per L. V. Jayaweera the Education Director of the Sports Section who has issued a letter to the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Association (SLSRA) saying to take action that may be deemed necessary against the said player found guilty and he is not eligible to be in school.

The letter is mentioned only about the player since the education department has nothing to do with the on-going schools rugby season. If to suspend the school or not is the decision of the SLSRA.

As per the letter Sajith Saranga had failed his exam and was not eligible to be in school or part of its rugby team. But the interesting part is that head of the SLSRA is K. A. D. Punyadasa is also the Principal of Isipathana College.

Further one of the Rajans old boy who is closed to the oval shaped ball game told that Deciplinary committee chairman is the Principal of Isipathana College. He should step down and appoint a suitable committee or the Sports Council should take this forward and they do not want this incident to go under the carpet.

Also we will not mind if one of the past Presidents is taken in to the committee to take a final decision. Victory should be given to us in this game since the Isipathana side had violated the rule. Interestingly this will also help the Rajans to be in the top division next year too.