Ministry told to pay Rs.22 million to field rugby team at Asian Games | Sunday Observer

Ministry told to pay Rs.22 million to field rugby team at Asian Games

13 August, 2023

The Ministry of Sports could be blown off-side as Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR), the parent governing body of the sport in the country, has brought it to the notice of the government that as much as Rs.22 million will be needed for the team to play at the Asian Games in China next month.

Hasan Sinhawansa, the Executive Director of SLR has in a letter to K Mahesan the secretary to the Ministry of Sports said the money was needed according to their budget requirements for a tour party of 16 players and four officials at the Asian Games.

It is also learnt the the team’s failure to enter the Asian Games could result in a team ban and heavy fine which the Sports Ministry and the National Olympic Committee (NOC) will have to bear.

The elected office bearers of SLR stands non-functional after Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe installed a so-called Stabilization Committee in its place to run the affairs of the sport whch is now in court.

In the letter to the Ministry secretary, SLR has also said that as they stand suspended they are not in a position to procure sponsors.

The Sri Lanka Sevens squad is also reported to be minus any training or preparation.

Sri Lanka Sevens squad:

Tharinda Ratwatte (captain), Adeesha Weeratunga, Chathura Seneviratne, Anjala Hettiarachchi, Aakash Madushanka, Dinupa Seneviratne, Gemunu Cheitiya, Dharshana Dabare, Srinath Sooriyabandara, Ramesh Fernando, Heshan Jensen, Adam Gauder

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