In a development that underscores Sri Lanka Rugby’s tightening grip on discipline and governance, a formal show cause notice has been issued to Alex Nishantha, a sitting member of the National Selection Committee, over public remarks that allegedly ridiculed SLR decisions on social media. The move, spearheaded by the iron-fisted Chairman of the Working Task Force, SDIG (Rtd) M.R. Latiff, signals an unflinching clampdown on internal dissent and breaches of protocol.
At the heart of the matter is a series of public comments attributed to Nishantha, which SLR claims may have damaged the image and credibility of the governing body. According to the letter sent to him, these statements amount to a violation of Article 48.1(n) of the Sri Lanka Rugby Constitution, a clause that prohibits actions bringing disrepute to SLR, its affiliates, partners, and the game itself. Furthermore, Nishantha has been cited for violating Article 48 of the Code of Conduct, which binds all SLR affiliates to maintain the integrity and dignity of rugby and its governance.
Latiff, a respected law enforcement veteran and former Head of the Special Task Force, has become known for bringing his “zero tolerance” policing ethic into the chaotic world of rugby administration. His no-nonsense stance has earned respect within the sport’s governing circles. In recent months, his tenure as Chairman of the SLR Working Task Force has seen a string of disciplinary actions aimed at cleaning up operations, eliminating backdoor politics, and restoring public trust in the sport’s leadership.
One of the most striking examples of this crackdown occurred when Latiff confronted Dilroy Fernando, Asia Rugby’s appointed Referees Manager. Fernando found himself in hot water after reportedly attempting to accommodate a controversial request from four elite Sri Lankan schools seeking to fly down foreign referees, a move that would have bypassed official selection protocols and undermined local governance procedures to officate league games. Latiff immediately intervened, denouncing the action as an unauthorized breach of policy, and Fernando was also instructed to show cause for his conduct.
The Fernando incident drew considerable public attention, given the high stakes and prestige associated with top-tier school rugby in Sri Lanka. Latiff’s firm response sent a clear message that not even international affiliations or domestic school influence would be allowed to erode the structures of fair play and governance within SLR.
Now, with Alex Nishantha in the crosshairs, Latiff appears determined to hold even committee members accountable, reinforcing the principle that despite their appointments being vetted by the National Sports Selection Committee and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, selection officials remain accountable to SLR in all rugby matters.
The notice to Nishantha includes a strict seven-day deadline to explain his conduct in writing. Failure to respond will result in unilateral disciplinary action an approach that reflects Latiff’s policing instincts and unwillingness to tolerate non-compliance.
The matter has already been escalated to the highest levels, with the show cause letter formally copied to the Hon. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Ministry Secretary, and the Chairman of the National Selection Committee, signaling that the fallout could have broader administrative implications.
As Sri Lanka Rugby attempts to re-establish authority following years of internal strife, controversial selections, and external meddling, the emergence of Latiff as a regulatory enforcer could prove pivotal. Whether this era of discipline will bring clarity and order to a historically turbulent institution remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: under Latiff’s watch, there will be little room for games off the field.
Alex Side Steps Selector’s Duty
At the time of filing this story, a curious development came to light: Alex Nishantha, a member of the rugby selection panel, appears to have delicately sidestepped the act of signing off on the finalized Men’s and Women’s national teams. This unexpected abstention left Chairman of the Election Committee, Sudath Sampath, along with members M. Rajeev Ganapathi and K.K. Duminda Silva, to affix their endorsements without him. The question now floating through corridors and inboxes alike is rather perplexing is Alex Nishantha quietly crafting a retreat from Sri Lanka Rugby, or is this part of a more elaborate maneuver to cast shade on the institution’s progress? Intentional silence or accidental omission? That, for now, remains part of the mystery.
