Attempts made to virtually hold founder ‘A’ Division rugby clubs to ransom
Sri Lanka’s rugby landscape has been rocked by allegations of manipulation and governance malpractice as Dr. Shemal Fernando, the Director General of Sports Development, faces intense backlash over his controversial efforts to include Sri Lions Rugby in the prestigious ‘A’ Division Rugby Tournament. Critics argue that Dr. Fernando, a holdover from the previous government, is even undermining the National People’s Power (NPP) regime’s mission to eradicate corruption and uphold good governance in sports.
A Meeting Steeped in Controversy
The controversy began on October 9, 2024, when Dr. Fernando convened a meeting with representatives from the founder ‘A’ Division clubs. The agenda included seeking consent for registering Sri Lions Rugby to compete in the upcoming league. What unfolded, however, was a resounding rejection, as all seven club representatives vehemently opposed the move and requested Sri Lions’ representatives to leave the meeting.
Despite this unanimous opposition, Dr. Fernando pressed forward, raising questions about his motives. Adding to the suspicion, he promised to circulate the minutes of the meeting, which included Ministry of Sports officials and SLR employees.
However, despite 47 days having passed, the minutes remain conspicuously missing, even after multiple requests from stakeholders, including CH & FC rugby convener GGD Gunasekara, who submitted a formal letter just six days ago.
A Dubious Path to Inclusion
Further developments have deepened the controversy. On November 24, Shamrath Fernando, acting on behalf of the SLR competent authority, sent an email instructing all ‘A’ Division clubs, including Sri Lions Rugby, to register their teams and officials for the 2024/2025 league by November 28. Crucially, this email failed to provide basic details about the tournament, such as the start date, participating teams, or sponsorships.
Critics allege that Dr. Fernando is currently orchestrating a pathway for Sri Lions Rugby to gain entry into the ‘A’ Division through the back door, potentially enabling them to take legal action if excluded. This move is seen as a manipulation of governance structures, with the Director General accused of holding founder clubs hostage to his agenda.
Sri Lions’ Troubled Past
The push for Sri Lions’ inclusion has also reignited concerns over their ‘B’ Division championship victory, which is clouded by unresolved complaints of fielding ineligible players. Despite these pending inquiries, Dr. Fernando controversially approved their informal promotion request, submitted by former SLR President Nalin De Silva, on October 4, 2024. Realizing he lacked the mandate, Dr. Fernando then convened the October 9 meeting, where founder clubs again opposed Sri Lions’ promotion.
Adding to the distrust are financial irregularities tied to Sri Lions Rugby’s sponsorship of the Sri Lanka Youth U18 team during the Asian Youth Sevens Tournament in Malaysia. Despite prominently displaying their logo on national team jerseys, there is no record of the sponsorship funds being credited to the SLR’s bank account. Till to date DG Dr.Fernando continues to remain tight lipped regarding several questions raised about the sponsorship contract, its terms, and financial accountability.
A Pattern of Misconduct
Dr. Fernando’s conduct has drawn scrutiny for more than just rugby. Allegations of accepting prohibited gifts such as a hamper from the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka Sec.General Maxwell De Silva, unauthorized overseas travel have marred his tenure. Recently, he attended Asia Rugby’s Annual General Meeting in Bangkok on a fully sponsored trip, only to be denied voting rights due to improper registration.
The Call for Reform
As the NPP government strives to cleanse Sri Lanka’s sports administration of corruption, Dr. Fernando’s actions stand as a stark contrast to their vision. The founder clubs have made it clear that decisions on ‘A’ Division promotions should rest with the Sri Lanka Rugby Council, not a Director General whose authority was granted by the previous regime.
The new Minister of Sports faces mounting pressure to address these governance failures, starting with the workings of Dr. Fernando and his involvement in Sri Lanka Rugby. With the deadline for registrations looming, the rugby community is watching closely, hoping for transparency and accountability to prevail in a saga that has cast a shadow over one of Sri Lanka’s most beloved sports.
The question remains: will the NPP’s commitment to reform triumph, or will the manipulation of a few continue to erode the foundations of Sri Lankan rugby?
