No Dialog Schools Rugby matches this week as Referees boycott

The Dialog Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament matches scheduled for this week have been postponed This decision came after the Sri Lanka Soceity of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR) decided not to officiate any matches following an alleged attack on a referee and touch judges. The incident occurred immediately after the Science vs S. Thomas’ match at Air Force Grounds, Ratmalana, last Sunday.

President of the Sri Lanka Soceity of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR)D inka Peiris, held a meeting with former Sri Lanka Rugby President Lasitha Gunaratne, former Head of the Special Task Force DIG M.R. Latheef, and officials of the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA). During this meeting, it was agreed that maximum security will be provided to referees and touch judges in future matches.

Dinka Peiris stated that referees will only officiate matches from next week if the SLSRFA provides a written undertaking. This undertaking must ensure that disciplinary action will be taken against those involved in the attack and against Science College, the host team for that match.

Several key school matches were scheduled for this weekend but will not be played. These include Wesley vs St. Joseph’s at Havelock Park on July 5, Isipathana vs S. Thomas’ on July 6 at Havelock Park, and St. Peter’s vs Vidyartha on July 7 at Nittawela.Meanwhile, in response to the incident, President of the SLSRFA and Principal of Dharmaraja College, Kamal Ariyasinghe, has put forward five proposals to the Director General of Sports, Prof. Shemal Fernando (Retd. Rear Admiral) yesterday, to resolve the issue with the referees.

The proposals are as follows:

Ban Science College from hosting ‘A’ Division League matches for one year. Disallow spectators at Science College matches. Take disciplinary action against the Science College player who received a red card.

Impose a suspended two-year ban on Science College for the next two years. Ban the Master in Charge of Science College, Pubudu Rubasinghe, from serving as MIC of any school for five years due to his irresponsible behaviour.

These stern measures aim to address the safety and discipline issues in school rugby, ensuring the protection of referees and the integrity of the sport. (dailynews)