Sri Lions Sri Lanka has threatened to withdraw from the upcoming 2026-2027 Inter-Club A Division rugby tournament unless Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) tenders a public apology for allegedly damaging the club's brand image and commercial reputation.
Club President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Kelum Sujith Perera delivered the ultimatum during a press conference following the organisation's fifth Annual General Meeting at the JAT Holdings Auditorium in Thalawathugoda on Saturday (25).
The dispute stems from a public release broadcast on two electronic media outlets, which claimed the club had defaulted on player salaries and contractual fees during the previous season.
Furthermore, the governing body imposed a mandatory Rs. 4.5 million deposit on Sri Lions as a prerequisite for participating in future domestic competitions.
Rejecting the allegations, Dr. Perera disclosed that the club spent Rs. 4.2 million on player contracts during its inaugural season while receiving minimal logistical support from the governing body.
The club confirmed it has already released 12 contracted players due to the ongoing dispute, including key backrower Mohamed Nizran, who is currently pursued by rival clubs.
The club management stated it will pursue legal action to seek financial compensation for defamation if the national rugby body refuses to issue a public retracting statement through the same media channels.
Dr. Perera also criticized reported plans by the governing body to reduce the A Division league from nine teams to seven, noting that developing the sport requires expanding the tournament to 14 teams and taking matches to regional outstations.
Should negotiations fail, Sri Lions plans to re-allocate its sports investment portfolio towards domestic netball, hockey, and football, while bringing the administrative impasse to the attention of the Sports Minister.
Leave your comments
Login to post a comment
Post comment as a guest