The President of the Sri Lanka Society of Rugby Football Referees (SLSRFR) has issued a stern warning following an assault on match officials after a Dialog Schools ‘A’ Division League Rugby Tournament match between S. Thomas’ College and Science College. The incident took place at Air Force grounds, Ratmalana, on Sunday.
Referee Ishanka Abeykoon and three match officials, Ajith Kumara, Madhawa Wijesiri, and Jeewaka Fonseka, were attacked by spectators and admitted to the hospital immediately after the match. Fonseka remains hospitalized at Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila.
“The Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association tournament rules are clear that the host team is responsible for the security of players and match officials,” stated a rugby expert.
“The issue here is the lack of adequate security provided during the match, which is a basic requirement Science College failed to fulfill. This constitutes a violation of tournament rules, and those responsible must face consequences,” the expert added.
“Three assailants have been arrested by Mount Lavinia Police on the same night,” confirmed Dinka Peiris, President of SLSRFR.
“The host school bears the responsibility for the security of players, match officials, and spectators, as stipulated in the rulebook,” Peiris emphasized.
The 12-member SLSRFR Committee, led by Dinka Peiris, is ready to make a decisive decision on the incident.
“This kind of atmosphere directly affects referees’ decision-making in future matches,” warned Peiris.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
