Shocking resignation

Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) is yet to name a replacement for Dr. Maiya Gunasekera who has stepped down as Chairman of Selectors.

Dr. Gunasekera shocked rugby circles when he tendered his resignation just weeks away from Sri Lanka team's participation at the Singer-SriLankan Airlines IRB Sevens and Sri Lanka's second round matches of the World Cup qualifiers.

He cited personal reasons as a cause for his stepping down, with more than seven months left to complete his one-year third term as Sri Lanka rugby selection chief. However, his sudden decision to give up the position, which he held with distinction, has more to it than meets the eye.

Informed sources said that Dr. Gunasekera, former Royal, CR & FC and Sri Lanka player, has resigned as chairman of selectors in disgust. Sources close to the reputed surgeon said that his decision to step down has been prompted as his only son has been at the receiving end where selections to his school's under-19 team was concerned.

"Naturally he was very hurt as his son had all credentials to be in the school team, which is going throught a very poor season. They should have tried him out as the boy is good and should be given a fair chance as a prop forward and a place kicker," a former Sri Lankan player said.

The school selectors, with whom Dr. Gunasekera had worked with closely in the past, are alleged to have not given his son a fair chance. Dr. Gunasekera has told his close associates, including a fellow selector, that he does not have the heart and the same enthusiasm to continue. "He has been fair as a selector and gave many up and coming talented players due recognition," sources said.

However, when contacted, Dr. Gunasekera said his decision to step down was due to personal reasons, but did not elaborate. But he categorically stated that his decision has nothing to do with the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union or his co-selectors and that he would continue to support the SLRFU Ex-Co.

Several former star Sri Lanka players were of the view that the player concerned is good enough to be given a chance to prove himself. He should not be penalised just because his father is the chief national selector, who has always been firm with his decisions.

Dr. Gunasekera's right and fearless decisions on selectors may have created a few enemies who obviously were looking to work on the blind side and oust him. Unfortunately, that has affected a career of a young boy. We are not voicing on just one isolated incident, but respecting the views of many reputed former Sri Lanka stars, including a top official of the SLRFU, who was of the opinion that the boy has been an unfortunate victim.

There have been many instances where selections to top school teams are marred with favourism. But we are talking particularly on this issue because it affects Sri Lanka rugby and that many Sri Lanka players are of the view that there is something fishy.

Perhaps Dr. Gunasekera would have reacted quickly in deciding to step down. But that too is understandable because he had to tackle a sensitive issue, rather than hang on to the position if he does not have the same enthusiasm after a bitter experience.

It is hard to find a person of the calibre of Dr. Gunasekera, who has held various positions in rugby, or in any sport for that matter. Having played for his school, club and finally for the Sri Lanka national team with distinction, Dr. Gunasekera played many roles in Sri Lanka rugby after obtaining a double FRCS in UK.

He had served as President and Deputy President of the SLRFU, President of the Western Province RFU, national selector, chairman of selectors, school coach, national coach, national team doctor, team physiotherapist, national team manager and also as the Chef de Mission of the Sri Lanka contingent for the 1998 Bangkok Asian Games, a record hard to match.

Above all, his presence at any rugby match is an added bonus for the players as a highly qualified surgeon who, is attached to a leading private hospital. He has rendered a silent service, treating many school and club players in an honorary capacity. Hence, finding an equal replacement for the job is a hard task.

Nevertheless, the SLRFU should make every endeavour to find a man who could earn respect as new chairman of selectors. Sri Lanka rugby cannot afford to become a victim of administrative blunders, which occurred during the term of the previous ex-co. Especially with the 2006 Asiad in Sri Lanka is nearing and need to build up a strong national pool, we need to have a good team of administrators and selectors to take up the task.