‘FIXING SRI LANKA RUGBY’

EX-SRI LANKA RUGBY CAPTAIN PAVITHRA FERNANDO HAS MAJOR PLAN FOR MEDAL AT ASIAN GAMES, WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION IN 2035 AND LEADING SRI LANKA TO A NEW ERA SANS PERSONAL SQUABBLES

- ByALLAAM OUSMAN

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) is set for a decisive election on October 8, with nominations now officially closed.

Among the contenders is Pavithra Fernando, 45, a former national captain who brings both a fresh perspective and a clean slate to the top job. In contrast to his main rival, former president Lasitha Gunarathne, Pavithra positions himself as a reformist an outsider to the entrenched system but one with a rich pedigree in sport, education, and administration.

Armed with a BBA, advanced sports management credentials, and strength & conditioning certification, he combines academic knowledge with experience as a player and administrator. His vision for Sri Lanka Rugby is bold yet pragmatic: an Asian Games medal in 2026 as the immediate target, and World Cup qualification by 2035 as the long-term goal.

At the heart of his campaign are pledges to restore good governance, transparency, and accountability ensuring no club is favoured, funds are used strictly for development, and player selection is based purely on merit. He seeks to expand rugby beyond its traditional strongholds by establishing academies in all nine provinces, contracting separate national squads for 7s and XVs, and introducing a draft system for foreign players to balance domestic competition.

Equally critical is his plan to rebuild trust with World Rugby and Asia Rugby by adhering to due process and the constitution, while actively lobbying to host more international tournaments on home soil to reignite public enthusiasm. “Fixing Sri Lanka Rugby,” he says, “is my prime objective — without fear or favour.”

Confident of having the backing of key stakeholders, Pavithra projects himself as the candidate best placed to unite divergent voices and usher in a new era for Sri Lanka Rugby. Free of past baggage but full of drive, he is emerging as the favourite to lead the sport forward.