Sri Lanka Rugby’s Disciplinary Committee has concluded inquiries into two incidents connected with the ongoing Under-19 Next XV National Selection Tournament, following hearings held two days ago, and has imposed disciplinary sanctions on those found responsible.
The first case involved Galle Lions mentor Omalka Gunaratne, who admitted to a charge of physical assault. The Disciplinary Committee found Gunaratne guilty, stating that his conduct brought the game into disrepute and was contrary to the spirit and values of rugby. The Committee also noted that the bodily harm caused by the incident may constitute a criminal offence.
Gunaratne has been handed an immediate three-month suspension from all rugby-related activities falling under SLR and the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association. The suspension covers coaching, mentoring and playing. In addition, he has received a further one-year suspension, which has been suspended for two years. This additional sanction will come into effect if he is found guilty of any further disciplinary offence during that two-year period.
The other inquiry concerned Kandy Tuskers player Achintha Jayasena and members of the team’s coaching staff, following a complaint submitted by the Isipathana College Rugby Management and Development Committee regarding one of its players. The Committee found Jayasena guilty of misconduct towards a fellow player, causing humiliation and mental distress and disrespecting the player’s dignity.
Jayasena has consequently been removed from the Kandy Tuskers squad for the remainder of the Next XV U-19 National Selection Tournament. Until the tournament concludes, he is prohibited from attending or associating with the team during training, on match days or at events organised by the Kandy Tuskers or Sri Lanka Rugby. Even before these sanctions, Kandy Tuskers management had removed Achintha Jayasena from the team’s final two matches. Jayasena has been instructed to provide a formal apology to the affected player before 5 October 2026.
The Committee further found Kandy Tuskers coaches Lasith Attanagoda and Fazil Marija guilty of failing in their duty of care. The Committee stated that they failed to report the incident through the proper chain of command and attempted to trivialise the abuse by asking the parties to settle the matter.
Both coaches have been fined 20 percent of their respective Next XV U-19 National Selection Tournament contract fees, payable to Sri Lanka Rugby on or before 15 October. All parties have the right to appeal the decisions in writing within seven days of receiving the respective rulings. (SJ)