Irresponsible act by Schools RFA

by Leslie FERNANDO

The annual general meeting of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) scheduled at the Sports Ministry auditorium in Colombo on March 30 was not held due to lack of quorum.

"It was due to provincial rugby unions boycotting the AGM,'' said Dr. Maiya Gunaekera, SLRFU, Interim Committee, Chairman.

International Rugby Board (IRB) observer Gerard Gallagher, Bandula Dahanayake, Director of Sports were also present at the venue.

According to Dr. Gunasekera, the representatives of all seven 'A' division clubs, Havelocks SC, Colombo Hockey and Football Club, Ceylonese Rugby and Football Club, Army Sports Club, Navy Sports Club, Sri Lanka AirForce Sports Club and Police Sports Club were present at the AGM.

"These club representatives wanted the AGM held and said that they didn't want to see rugby in the country to suffer.

Dr. Gunasekera added that these representatives spoke of the risk of being isolated from the international scene because IRB wished a democratically elected body to run the affairs of rugby in Sri Lanka.

It was very irresponsible for Schools Rugby Association (RFA) and the Western Province Rugby Football Union representative to boycott the elections.

Dr. Gunasekera added that IRB was ready to help the SLRFU with finances. He added that Gerard Gallagher saw all what happened at the meeting and he is expected to submit a report with regard to the AGM.

"I promised the IRB representatives and the Director of Sports that we will call for a fresh AGM in about six weeks time," said Dr. Gunasekera.