Police SC Manager SP Ajantha Rodrigo officialy complains to Anti Corruption Sports Unit
Superintendent of Police Ajantha Rodrigo, who also serves as the Manager of the Police Rugby Sports Club, has officially submitted a letter to the Director of the Anti-Corruption Sports Unit under the Ministry of Sports on the 18th January 2025. In his complaint, he makes serious allegations against the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Referees Association (SLSRFR), claiming that they have accepted financial assistance and liquor from certain clubs and old boys’ unions of specific schools in exchange for manipulating the outcomes of officiated rugby matches.
The letter, titled “Formal Complaint Regarding Incompetency and Bias in Match Officiating by Mr. Gihan Yatawara,” begins by SP Rodrigo expressing grievances over two matches in which Police SC felt unfairly treated against Havelocks SC and Air Force SC. However, beyond these concerns, the letter goes on to make serious allegations, raising significant concerns about the integrity of match officials.
“Further we have come to understand that the President and the committee of the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Referees Association have allegedly received financial assistance and liquor from certain clubs and old boys unions of several schools. As an independent body, such actions compromise the impartiality expected of SLSRFR and give rise to suspicions of favouritism to these clubs. Notably, during the recent Annual General Meeting, the President of the SLSRFR reportedly acknowledged these concerns when raised by members. This admission further casts doubt on the fairness and integrity of officiating under their purview.”
” Additionally, we are increasingly suspicious of potential match fixing by certain match officials and members of the SLSRFR committee. The repeated unfavourable outcomes for Police SC, coupled with questionable officiating decisions, have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the referees and their adherence to the principles of fair play.” SP Rodrigo wrote.
Writing further, SP Rodrigo requested that a formal inquiry be conducted in the following areas:
1. The performance and decision making of referee Gihan Yatawara during the aforementioned matches.
2. Allegations of financial and material benefits received by SLSRFR from clubs and other entities.
3. Patterns of officiating decisions that appear to systematically disadvantage Police SC.
4. The possibility of match fixing involving match officials and the SLSRFR committee.
Sri Lions requests the removal of certain match officials from their games
Adding to the controversy, Sri Lions Human Resources Director, Ms. Prasadika Sewwandi, sent an official letter dated February 19, 2025, to the Chairman of the Rugby Tournament Committee, which oversees the ongoing ‘A’ Division Tournament. In her request, she urged that three referees Nalin Lasantha, Kelum Sanduruwan, and Mr. Madugalle be excluded from officiating any matches involving Sri Lions, citing concerns over fairness and impartiality.
” Our primary concern is that these referees either lack the necessary experience up to the mark or have demonstrated unfair officiating in ‘A’ Division matches.” Ms. Sewwandi wrote.
The Morning Telegraph made multiple attempts to reach Mr. Dinka Peiris, President of the SLSRFR, for his comments on these complaints and to gather his perspective on the issue. However, all efforts to contact him were unsuccessful as he did not respond.
So this is how Peters were winning games, with their influence into the refs dressing room.
Serious matter or issue taken up lately, in the past 2 years on personal experience’s & personally associating the referee’s from the SLSRFR, I had pulled up this sensitive issue of biased & sided blowing by certain members, I totally agree on the complaint or accusations forwarded against GY, which is a fact, entering a playing field to officiate a schools rugby game under the influence of alcohol at Bogambara, couldn’t keep up the pace, was panting & strolling down the pitch, arriving late at the point of break blowing his whistle from 40 meters away on an infringement not seen or called by AR’s, knock forward called the other way & try awarded, this happens specially against Kandy schools & the referee’s have an untold grudge over the schools from the hills, favoritism done to Colombo schools & clubs,
Serious allegations. The one made the allegations are from police, so they are duty bound to provide substantial evidences. Just because a team lost some matches, such allegations cannot be made based on speculations and guessing. Police Sports Club should provide solid evidences, failing so, severely punished for wasting public resources and tarnishing the image of the game.
True, if proved stern action should be taken for the betterment of the game.