Lewke steps down as SLRFU President - Thanks President for all the support

It is with a deep sense of regret that I have decided to step down as the President of the SLRFU. It shall take immediate effect.

It was indeed a difficult decision but has been done in the best interest of the game which suffered some minor hiccups pursuant to misplaces loyalties and mischief.

It is all behind me and as the President I am happy that we weathered the storm to ensure stability, progress and consistence of this great game.

We have in place a blueprint for the overall improvement and development of rugby in Sri Lanka and I am confident that whoever will be my successor that he would consider the proposals made with careful planning and foresight in the best interest of the game.

It is with humility that I wish to record some of the achievements and successes during my tenure of office which includes the successful completion of the local tournaments.

The sponsors were exceedingly pleased with the outcome of the respective tournaments which work, planning, dedication and commitment by a team of committed men. Importantly our sponsors recorded their personal appreciation of our success with numerous messages of goodwill and encouragement.

Another milestone of my career and as the SLRFU President was the coordination of the all important Asiad to Sri Lanka especially at a time when the Country was in the grips of the ongoing war and the reluctance of the most participating countries to visit Sri Lanka due to the security concerns. With pardonable pride I consider the staging of the Asiad in Sri Lanka a significant achievement an event that earned the country International recognition and Sri Lanka was runners up in this tournament and this is the second time in the history of Sri Lanka that we have been achieved this position after 1974.

Discipline, sound financial management, transparency and accountability were a priority in my agenda.

Although I came in for some criticism by certain disgruntled elements I persisted with policy to ensure total viability and consistency in good management and exercised restraint over lavish and unnecessary expenditure.

I believe that integrity and discipline are neither negotiable nor can it be substituted. Such attributes may have earned me some degree but in holding positions of extreme responsibility one must realise that he is not on show or competing a popularity contest.

I am happy that SLRFU at present is in a very stable financial position with 50 million in fixed deposit.