Sri Lanka’s win was a great achievement

Ranjeeva Seneviratne

The President of the interim committee of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union Dr. Maiya Gunasekera said that Sri Lanka had come into the first five in Asian rugby by beating Singapore 23-16 in the final of the Asian Divison One tournament which was a great achievement as the host team had ten foreigners in their ranks.

Dr. Gunasekera was speaking at the press briefing at the SLRFU headquarters regarding the 2010 Caltex league rugby season.

He said that Sri Lanka will be playing against Asia’s elite rugby playing nations Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan on a home and away basis next year which will provide 35 to 40 ruggerites an opportunity of representing the country in 2011.

He said that with the eradication of terrorism, the Defence Services teams Army, Navy and Air Force will be able to produce formidable teams which will be able to give reputed teams like Kandy SC and CR and FC a close run, which will provide a level playing field.

The tours to Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and Kazakhstan will also serve as an incentive to players from Service teams to give of their best in domestic tournaments and get selected for the national team.

Dr. Gunasekera also said that the Sri Lanka under 20 team scored a historic win over South Korea by 30-15 in the Youth Rugby Asiad last year and are now ranked number three in Asia.

Schools are playing top quality rugby and will produce top class players for the national team which augurs well for the future of rugby in Sri Lanka.

He also said that Sri Lanka will be taking part in five International Sevens rugby tournaments from September this year - Shanghai Sevens, Borneo Sevens, Asian Games Sevens, Commonwealth Games Sevens and Carlton Sevens.

The Managing Director and CEO of Chevron Lubricants Kishu Gomes said that Caltex had been sponsoring club rugby since the Clifford Cup knock-out in 1999 and have already spent Rs 350 million as sponsorship.

Gomes paid a glowing tribute to President Mahinda Rajapaksa for being present at the Caltex Rugby Awards ceremony and his support for the promotion of rugby in the country being a keen rugby fan.

He said that after the AGM of the SLRFU the new administration should get the support of everybody with the common objective of improving the standard of rugby.

He said clubs should play more exciting rugby to attract crowds and have a carnival atmosphere for the entire family to enjoy the game. He said the new administration should strive to popularise rugby especially in the rural areas.

He said that his firm will continue to give its maximum support for club rugby and will sponsor live telecasts of important games and updates on radio stations.