The Mount Lavinia Police have arrested three more suspects in connection with the assault on three referees during the rugby match between Science College and S. Thomas’ College at the Air Force ground in Ratmalana on June 30.
The arrested individuals are CH and FC rugby player Kanchana Perera, his brother Pushpa Perera, and his brother-in-law Risith Shihara. Shihara, who was widely seen assaulting Touch Judge Jeewaka Fonseka while wearing a yellow T-shirt, is believed to be employed at Sampath Bank’s Customer Care Division. Fonseka is currently receiving treatment at Sri Jayawardenapura Hospital.
All three suspects were granted bail after being produced in court under case number B/40797/24. Shihara was identified during an identification parade as one of the assailants. The incident originated from a contentious decision by on-field referee Ishanka Abeykoon, who disallowed a try after consulting with Assistant Referee Jeewaka Fonseka, leading to an altercation involving spectators supporting Science College.
Initially, two Advanced Level students and an alumnus of Science College were arrested and later released after being produced in court. As investigations progressed, the three additional suspects surrendered to the police through their lawyers and were remanded until July 5 for an identification parade.
In response to the incident, both the Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) and the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR) have launched independent investigations. The SLSRFR has decided to abstain from officiating matches for the next two weeks, leading to the postponement of the Schools Rugby League 2024 matches until July 15.
The violent episode has also impacted the New Zealand Referee Exchange Programme, which aimed to enhance the skills of Sri Lankan referees. SLSRFR President Dinka Peiris expressed his disappointment, highlighting the potential benefits the New Zealand referees could have brought to the tournament. The programme is now on hold due to the incident.
This violence is not an isolated incident in Sri Lanka’s school rugby history, highlighting the urgent need for stronger security measures and a cultural shift towards respecting game rules and officials’ decisions.
4 thoughts on “Rugby Referee Assault Case: CH & FC rugby player, Sampath Bank Staffer Among Group Granted Bail ”
I am lost for words when some hooligans take over schools RUGBY.Even in Nittawela you get the unruly market crowd throwing stones at you if Kandy sides are losing.
I feel even more sorry as i learnt my Rugby at Science College grounds (which was then St.Marys ground)as a kid living close by and played for STC from 1970 to1973 then played for HAVIES during 1974 led by Desmond Harridge beating the strong CR side led by Reggie Batholameuz in the Clifford Cup Final. I am indebted to both Schools for my RUGBY.
strong CR&FC team led by Reggie Batholameuz.,in Clifford Cup Final
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More security or enforcement of law and order, what would be the best deterrent? What lesson are we giving school kids in their formative years?
This not the first time such incidents have taken place and in fact the incidents are becoming so serious and life threatening. Are we waiting for Rugby as a game to die away?
I am lost for words when some hooligans take over schools RUGBY.Even in Nittawela you get the unruly market crowd throwing stones at you if Kandy sides are losing.
I feel even more sorry as i learnt my Rugby at Science College grounds (which was then St.Marys ground)as a kid living close by and played for STC from 1970 to1973 then played for HAVIES during 1974 led by Desmond Harridge beating the strong CR side led by Reggie Batholameuz in the Clifford Cup Final. I am indebted to both Schools for my RUGBY.
strong CR&FC team led by Reggie Batholameuz.,in Clifford Cup Final
Remember you mate. Was your era. That kind of thuggery is unacceptable at any level.
Cheers. Trevine Rodrigo.
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More security or enforcement of law and order, what would be the best deterrent? What lesson are we giving school kids in their formative years?
This not the first time such incidents have taken place and in fact the incidents are becoming so serious and life threatening. Are we waiting for Rugby as a game to die away?