It is with deep regret and profound disappointment that we witnessed the incident that occurred after the recent rugby match on 30th June 2024 at the Airforce Grounds, Ratmalana, Colombo, involving the assault of match officials. This dastardly act is entirely unacceptable and stands in stark contrast to the values of respect, sportsmanship, and integrity that our schools and the sport of rugby strive to uphold.
Whilst we condemn this act of gross violence and hooliganism, our thoughts are with the match officials who were subjected to this type of aggression. The committed services of the Sri Lanka Society for Rugby Football Referees [SLSRFR] are critical for their pivotal role in ensuring the safety and fairness of play, and the enjoyment of the game for all students and spectators. Hence, it is the duty of the sports loving community, and especially schools’ rugby community to extend the required support. We view this matter extremely seriously and strongly urge the statutory bodies of the game to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation and take maximum punitive and preventive measures to eradicate such violence from sports in Sri Lanka.
It is critically important that the schools’ rugby community collectively condemn this act of violence and take all possible measures to provide a safe environment for students, parents, old boys and match officials upholding the true spirit and value of the sport.
Principal
