Pay or leave, SLR roars over Siri Lions

• Club to counter governing body’s edict legally 

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has informed Siri Lions Sports Club that they will need to place a refundable financial deposit of Rs. 4.5 million with the former, as a mandatory condition for participation in future ‘A’ Division competitions.

This was revealed to The Daily Morning Sports by SLR President and ex-national Captain Pavithra Fernando.

According to him the game’s domestic governing body had decided on the said requirement for Siri Lions, following the findings and recommendations of the Inquiry Panel formed under its Ethics Committee related to complaints concerning the said club.

The SLR head stated that the findings and recommendations of the Inquiry Panel appointed under the Ethics Committee, had also been unanimously approved by both the Executive Committee and the Council of Sri Lanka Rugby.

The SLR President stressed that the inquiry had been launched following a complaint lodged concerning the alleged wrongful termination of a player contract (Shenal Dias) and non-payment of contractual dues for Siri Lions players in the concluded local club rugby tournaments.

He pointed out that its Independent Inquiry Panel consisting of legal professionals, had conducted a detailed review of the matter, and had considered all available evidence before making its findings and recommendations.

“The Council noted with serious concern the findings relating to breaches of contractual obligations,” Fernando explained.

“Non-payment of player and staff remuneration, and broader concerns relating to financial accountability and professional standards were also at the heart of it. And in line with SLR’s commitment to player welfare, contractual integrity, and the protection of the professional game, the Council approved the said sum to be deposited by the club concerned as part of its recommendation.”

The SLR president emphasised that this measure is intended to serve as a financial safeguard mechanism to ensure the protection of players, coaches, medical staff, and other rugby personnel from contractual uncertainty and unpaid remuneration.

He reiterated that this particular decision is not intended to undermine or disadvantage any club, but rather to strengthen governance and ensure that all institutions competing at the very highest level of domestic rugby, meet minimum standards of financial prudence and responsibility.

Fernando further observed that similar financial safeguards had previously been implemented linked to clubs entering the ‘A’ Division structure, and noted that they therefore consider this a necessary and proportionate measure in the best interests of the sport.

“Professional rugby cannot exist sans professional responsibility,” Fernando remarked. ‘’Players, coaches, medical staff, and support personnel dedicate themselves to this sport, and deserve contractual certainty and fair treatment. SLR has a duty to uphold standards that protect player welfare, strengthen accountability, and safeguard the integrity of the professional game. This decision reflects our commitment to those principles.”

When contacted by Siri Lions Sports Club Founder and Chair Dr. Kelum Sujith Perera, described his club as being officially registered under the Labour Department, apart from being a duly tax-paying entity under the Government of Sri Lanka.

He stated that in light of the allegations or concerns raised by SLR, they should have maintained proper professional protocol by communicating directly with the club concerned, ahead of making public comments or issuing any press releases.

Dr. Perera added that they consider it an affront to them with SLR making public comments that may affect the reputation, brand image, and credibility of a legally registered and tax-complaint organisation, sans prior formal communication or clarification.

He said accordingly his club considers the matter serious and will be reviewing it through appropriate legal channels.

Siri Lions SC led by Kevin Dixon endured a winless season in the concluded 2025/26 Maliban Club League Rugby Tournament after having debuted in the 2024/25 season.    

Source - The Morning