The Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR), headed by Dinka Peiris, will resume refereeing of the Dialog Schools ‘A’ Division League Tournament from July 12, under seven conditions set for the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA).
The SLSRFR had previously halted the tournament until July 15, citing safety concerns. However, matches will now continue from Friday, July 12, with strict new measures in place.
From July 6, the SLSRFR will no longer officiate any school league, knockout, or short tournaments at the Air Force Grounds, Ratmalana. This decision arises from concerns about the inability of the host team and SLSRFA to ensure the safety of match officials, players, team officials, and spectators.
Additionally, the SLSRFR has declared that they will not officiate any Science College rugby games for a period of 12 months, from July 2, 2024, to July 2, 2025.
The SLSRFR has urged the SLSRFA to guarantee adequate security measures by the host school and the appointed match commissioner at least 30 minutes before senior games. The host team will be responsible for security during junior games.
The SLSRFA is required to investigate the reported assault on referee Ishanka Abeykoon and touch judges and take necessary action by July 22, 2024. The progress of this inquiry must be communicated to the SLSRFR.
The SLSRFR is also seeking compensation for the loss of three wrist watches, a match referee whistle, and two sets of communication devices at Air Force Grounds in Ratmalana, totaling Rs 300,000. This compensation must be paid by July 10, 2024.
If any incidents compromising safety occur on or after July 12, the SLSRFR will withdraw from the tournament, with or without prior notice. Meanwhile, several key matches in the Dialog Schools ‘A’ Division League Tournament are scheduled for the coming week, promising thrilling rugby action.
On Friday, July 12, Wesley College will host unbeaten Royal College at Havelock Park. This match is expected to be highly competitive. The following day, Saturday, July 13, Havelock Park will again be the venue for an important match as Isipathana College takes on Trinity College.
Also on July 13, the unbeaten reigning champions Peterites will face St Joseph’s College in
their traditional match for the Rev Fr Basil Wiratunga Shield. at Bambalapitiya In another key match on the same day, DS Senanayake College, also unbeaten, will play against S Thomas’ College at Mount Lavinia. Meanwhile, at Maradana, Zahira will host Vidyaratha College. Kandy, on July 13, Kingswood College and Thurstan College, both having lost all three games, will clash at Bogambara Stadium. The next day, July 14, Dharmaraja College will take on St Anthony’s College at the same venue.
By – Daily News