By Callistus Davy
After many years of heartburn without a voice, Sri Lanka’s unassuming rugby players long pushed from pillar to post and manipulated as virtual pawns by shady administrators have finally decided to preserve their right to legitimacy by forming the Sri Lanka Rugby Players Association (SLRPA).
After electing its office bearers, the SLRPA issued a strong message: Sri Lanka’s rugby players—past, present, and future—will no longer be puppets of the sport’s governing body, Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), which is currently under fire for failing to align with the new administrative structure demanded by World Rugby in line with global standards.
“Our organisation will not be a stepping stone for anyone seeking positions at Sri Lanka Rugby. Our objective is player welfare,”
said Jivan Goonetilleke, an attorney-at-law who will also serve as the SLRPA’s Legal Advisor.
Goonetilleke made the declaration in the presence of several retired rugby veterans, including the legendary Hisham Abdeen, who passionately advocated for player recognition, and Dilroy Fernando, currently a key figure in tournament promotion.
Membership in the SLRPA is open to all past and present Sri Lanka national players, as well as club players who have participated in a minimum of eight domestic matches. Associate membership may be granted to domestic players, past or present who do not meet this criterion, based on the recommendation of the Board.
By its presence, the SLRPA intends to advocate for the welfare and rights of players, addressing key issues such as annual contracts, remuneration based on skill and experience, medical support, access to training facilities, match preparation, and opportunities to compete internationally what is traditionally referred to as “tours.”
“Our main task will be safeguarding the rights and well-being of players in Sri Lanka. We must come together collectively and take rugby forward. As it stands, there is no proper framework for player professionalism,”
said Pavithra Fernando, the founding president of the SLRPA.
Joining the effort are respected figures such as former Sri Lanka Rugby president Asanga Seneviratne, Rohan Gunaratne (ex-Police and former national No. 8), and Hisham Abdeen, all of whom have been appointed as Trustees of the SLRPA.
Ashean Karthelis and Fazil Marija have been elected as Vice Presidents, with Sudharshana Muthuthantri appointed as Secretary. Rajeev Perera was elected Treasurer, while Shamly Nawaz and Bhanuka Nanayakkara were named Assistant Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, respectively.
The promotion of women’s rugby will also be a key focus for the SLRPA, with Rukshani Ariyasena and Sujani Ratnayake joining the board alongside Jivan Goonetilleke, Pradeep Basnayake, Aruna Shantha, and Kavinda Jayasena, forming a high-profile and diverse leadership team committed to reshaping the future of Sri Lankan rugby.
