Prasantha asked to resign by Minister

Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Gamini Lokuge has instructed his advisor and secretary to the Interim Committee of the SLRFU Kiran Atapattu to call for the immediate resignation of national rugby selector Viraj Prasantha.

The Minister had taken this decision after several former SLRFU Council members and ruggerites had informed him that Prasantha was seen on the Thomian bench and entered the field during half-time to give instructions to the players during the Guneratne Trophy rugby match between Royal and S. Thomas played at Mount Lavinia on April 24.

As the Sports Law prevents a national selector from getting involved in coaching, the Minister had decided to call for the immediate resignation of Prasantha as he had contravened the Sports Law, said Atapattu.

When contacted, Viraj Prasantha said that he had tendered his resignation as forwards coach of S. Thomas before the match to the Acting Warden of the school but was requested by the school authorities to remain as Technical Adviser till they find a replacement.

However he said that he was willing to step down as a national selector.