Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has reinstated the World Rugby (WR)-compliant process for appointing match officials across all domestic tournaments, effective from the second week of the ongoing season. 

The rugby governing body in Sri Lanka made this announcement in a media release on Thursday (20).

Under WR laws and recognised global governance standards, the appointment of referees must be carried out by the match organiser, while the Referees’ Union is responsible for training, development, evaluation, and nomination of officials.

This separation of duties ensures neutrality, transparency, and the integrity of competition. This process was properly followed until 2020.

SLR stated that following the departure of Rohan Gunaratne as Executive/Tournament Director that year, the system had gradually shifted into a structure where both assignments and final appointments were handled solely by the Referees’ Union without formal ratification by SLR and outside WR’s mandated protocol.

Furthermore, SLR noted that this deviation had lasted for five years but that the current committee had rectified and restored the proper structure to protect the credibility of tournaments and match officials.

As part of the key reforms now in effect, SLR stated that the controlling body would make final referee appointments, as required by WR laws.

The Referees’ Union will recommend and assign officials, but appointments must be ratified by SLR. Separation of duties has been reinstated to avoid conflicts of interest or allegations of bias.

Alternate referees must be provided for each match day to allow flexibility and reduce back-to-back appointments where possible.

SLR President Pavithra Fernando stated: “This is not a criticism of referees or their contribution to the sport. Our responsibility is to ensure that Sri Lanka Rugby aligns with international governance standards and protects the integrity of the game. The appointment process must remain with the governing union to ensure neutrality and safeguard everyone involved.”

SLR further reiterated that this change would strengthen governance safeguards for both institutions.

Dinka Peiris is the head of the Referees’ Union.

•Courtesy from “www.themorning.lk”

https://www.themorning.lk/articles/0YO5qBqpUqFI8wU6lxNh