Pavithra Fernando new rugby chief

Former Sri Lanka rugby forward Pavithra Fernando was elected as the President of Sri Lanka Rugby at an election of office bearers held at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Ministry of Sports in Colombo yesterday defeating Lasitha Gunaratne who held the top post some years ago.

Fernando polled 36 votes against Gunaratne’s 18, out of the 54 eligible votes as determined by the Election Committee. His victory was backed strongly by the Tri-Forces, Police and the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Rugby Union.

The election, which had been delayed several times due to legal disputes, was conducted under the close watch of the Ministry of Sports and the National Olympic Committee and came amid an ultimatum from World Rugby that Sri Lanka would face a two-year ban if the election was postponed once again.

Fernando will serve a two-year term taking over at a time of instability that made the sport’s administration mired in disputes and divisions.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Asia Rugby President Qais Al Dhalai was among the first to congratulate Fernando on his election, stating: “Thank you to my team at Asia Rugby, Sri Lanka Ministry of Sport, Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee President Suresh Subramaniam, and all honorable people who stood to prevent the suspension of Sri Lanka Rugby.”

Apart from the presidency, the post of Treasurer was also contested, with Neomal Ekanayake emerging victorious over Hirunika Balasuriya.

Several other key positions were filled uncontested — Shanitha Fernando (Deputy President), Chinthaka Perera (Vice President), and Air Commodore Subash Jayathilake (General Secretary). Thilini Rangani was elected as the Female Representative while last year’s Navy team skipper Stephan Gregory will serve as Athlete Representative.

With a fresh mandate and a strong team behind him, Fernando now faces the task of restoring unity, credibility and progress within Sri Lanka Rugby.