The Schools Rugby League season is set to resume later this week following the timely intervention of Sports Minister Harin Fernando to resolve the ongoing match boycott of the Rugby Referees Society, The Daily Morning Sports, understands.
A discussion held to this effect by the minister had addressed issues, particularly an assault incident involving referees in the game between Science College and S. Thomas College, at Air Force grounds, Ratmalana on 30 June.
As a positive outcome of the meeting held between the two parties, the referees had consented to continue officiating from this Friday (12), informed sources confirmed.
To ensure the safety of the games, a special safety programme is to be implemented in collaboration with the Police, these sources added.
Additionally, the Sports Ministry will provide more technical equipment to support referees while schools will also be educated on the importance of referees in games and to accept decisions made by them as final without any reservations.
Refs. undecided on Science
Meanwhile, when contacted the head of the Referees Society Dinka Peiris observed that though his members were ready to resume officiating they were yet to take a final decision on whether to oversee games involving Science.
He added that in the wake of the melee that erupted at the end of the match between hosts Science and S. Thomas’, the officials attached to his Society were yet recovering from the nasty ordeal.
According to him referee Ishanka Abeykoon who bore the brunt of the assault has been given a break from officiating and to decide on his own when to take up the whistle again.
He added that the condition of assistant referee Jeewaka Fonseka, who too was allegedly assaulted by incensed Science supporters over a disallowed try by Abeykoon, has improved and asserted that he would be able to resume officiating.
Peiris also said that his Society was yet unconvinced of punitive action being instituted against those behind the melee at Ratmalana and called on the SLSRFA to address issues raised by them in this regard, if they are to proceed.
Previously, the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Referees (SLRFR) had decided to abstain from officiating matches until next Monday (15), following an assault incident involving supporters of Science College.
This decision led to the postponement of last week’s matches of the Schools Rugby League 2024.
The Sri Lanka Schools’ Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) has launched an independent investigation into the incident and has apologised to the referees unreservedly, requesting them to reconsider their decision.
Minister Fernando had also mentioned that a decision regarding Science College, accused of assaulting the referee and his assistant, will be taken by the Schools Rugby Association.
He emphasised that he requested this decision be made without unjustly penalising Science College players from participating in matches. (themorning)
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