World Rugby has given Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) a final extension until June 15, 2025, to resolve its governance issues or face immediate sanctions, an official statement confirmed on Friday.
The decision, communicated by World Rugby’s Chief of International Federation, David Carrigy, recognizes the “untiring efforts” of Sri Lanka’s Competent Authority and Director General of Sports, Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, to keep the sport alive.
World Rugby emphasized that SLR must approve a new constitution and hold elections within the next four months. Failure to do so will result in immediate sanctions, which could see Sri Lanka banned from international competitions.
To facilitate this process, a Working Taskforce has been formed, comprising representatives from World Rugby, Asia Rugby, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lankan government. The task force chaired by Asia Rugby, will oversee constitutional reforms and the election process.
The first phase of the plan includes reviewing voting eligibility, finalizing constitutional amendments and calling for a Special General Meeting (SGM). The second phase will involve conducting the SGM to adopt the new constitution, followed by elections under the supervision of World Rugby, Asia Rugby, and local sports authorities.
Sri Lanka Rugby remains under scrutiny after repeated governance failures leading to global interventions. The latest extension is seen as the final opportunity for the sport’s administrators to comply with international standards and avoid sanctions.
