In a remarkable display of sportsmanship and commitment to the integrity of Sri Lankan rugby, Sri Lions Sports Club has taken the bold step of granting clearance to three players who had breached their contract commitments with both Sri Lions and CH & FC.
This unprecedented decision comes amidst a dispute involving Udesh Madushanka, Maliksha Shehan, and Nimantha Gimhana, who featured in CH & FC’s victory over Police last week, leading to a protest from the Police team.
Despite the breach of contract by the three players, Sri Lions Sports Club has demonstrated magnanimity by agreeing to release them under mutually agreed conditions. The decision, which was made in collaboration with CH & FC, ensures that the ongoing tournament will not be disrupted and highlights the true spirit of sportsmanship that Sri Lions has long upheld.
The controversy began when Udesh Madushanka, Maliksha Shehan, and Nimantha Gimhana, who were contracted with Sri Lions, appeared in a match for CH & FC against Police on December 20, 2024. The match, which saw CH & FC triumph with a 39-27 win, quickly sparked a protest from Police Rugby, as it was revealed that the three players were still under contract with Sri Lions and had not sought clearance to play for CH & FC.
In a formal request, Police Rugby raised the issue with the Tournament Committee, emphasizing the violation of competition rules and seeking further action. This prompted swift communication between the tournament organizers, Sri Lions, and CH & FC, culminating in a mutual agreement on how to resolve the matter in a manner that upheld the integrity of the league.
The Tournament Committee, led by Chairman Ravi Wijenathan, played a crucial role in ensuring that the matter was handled expeditiously. In their correspondence, they requested a quick resolution to the issue, given the proximity of the next tournament match scheduled for December 27, 2024. The committee highlighted the urgency of clarifying whether the players could be cleared to play for CH & FC or if the breach of contract would lead to sanctions.
CH & FC, acknowledging the breach of contract, made a formal request to Sri Lions for the release of the three players. Their request was grounded in the spirit of sportsmanship, with CH & FC offering to ensure that the players would not participate in any matches against Sri Lions for two years from the date of the release. This was seen as a fair and respectful compromise that would allow the players to continue participating in the tournament without compromising the integrity of Sri Lions’ contract obligations.
In response to the request, Sri Lions Sports Club, under the leadership of President Kelum Sujith Perera, took a magnanimous approach. Despite the breach of contract, Sri Lions chose to extend their support to CH & FC, understanding the importance of fostering positive relationships between clubs and ensuring that rugby in Sri Lanka continues to thrive in a fair and competitive environment.
The agreement also included a clause whereby CH & FC acknowledged the breach of contract and committed to upholding the values of fairness and sportsmanship. Sri Lions’ decision to release the players not only preserved the integrity of their own contracts but also reflected their belief in the importance of mutual respect and collaboration in the sporting community.
Sri Lions President Kelum Sujith Perera aptly stated: “We uphold sportsmanship by extending our support, even to those who may have stood against us.”
