Dhanushka Perera tests positive for doping

By Harsha Amarasinghe

Navy Sports Club Skipper Dhanushka Perera has been provisionally suspended from taking part in the Dialog Inter-Club League Rugby Tournament after being tested positive for a banned substance.

The former St. Joseph’s College flanker who has been in the centre of controversy right throughout the season is now facing the prospects of a lengthy ban which may well end his career as a player.

Meanwhile, wing three quarter Supun Dilshan who was enjoying a fine season for the Welisara Club has also been provisionally suspended due to the same offence.

Both the players are also set to face an inquiry within the next two weeks before learning the length of their ban.

“Dhanushka Perera and Supun Dilshan of Navy Sports Club have been tested positive for a banned substances and this was confirmed last week. Both the players have been suspended provisionally at the moment and will face an inquiry within next two weeks. One of the two players have opted for a ‘B’ sample and the inquiry will be carried out after that,” Professor Arjuna de Silva, Chairman, Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) told Daily Mirror on Thursday.

Meanwhile, de Silva also questioned the lack of discipline by some of these players.

“I am quite surprised that the players like, Danushka Perera has not been given the Navy training. None of these rugby players, who are in forces, go through that. May be that is why they lack discipline. All the other professionals including doctors have to go through that training, but not these players. You can see the difference when you see their earrings, tattoos and that sort of things,” the Professor stated.

Dhanushka Perera who is in the twilight of his career could have probably played one or two more seasons anyway, but this is a huge blow for young Supun Dilshan who has even been handed a National Sevens contract by Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) recently.