Former Sri Lanka Rugby President M. Rizly Illyas has called for an independent examination of outstanding rugby governance and financial concerns, following the dismissal of an Online Safety Act petition filed against him by Asanga Chandana Seneviratne.
In its order dated 25 September 2026, the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court upheld Illyas’s preliminary objection, dissolved the conditional order previously issued against him, and dismissed the petition and relief sought.
Applying Section 20 of the Online Safety Act, the Court found that the material presented did not establish that the challenged statements were false. It also concluded that the photographs and information were not private in nature within the meaning of the Act and that the statements did not constitute ‘prohibited statements.’
Illyas’s submissions referred to previously published information concerning a £ 50,000 World Rugby fine relating to allegedly forged player documentation and a reported Rs. 35 million debt incurred by Sri Lanka Rugby. He maintained that both matters arose during Seneviratne’s presidency. His submissions also questioned compliance with applicable requirements concerning Seneviratne’s nomination for the Presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.
These were matters raised in Illyas’s submissions. The dismissal should not be interpreted as separate judicial findings establishing the underlying allegations or determining the validity of the NOC nomination.
‘The conditional order against me has been dissolved and the petition dismissed. I was sharing information already reported in the press which I considered relevant to rugby governance and public accountability,’ Illyas said.
‘I will continue to raise matters of public interest responsibly, through facts, supporting records and fair debate.’
$ 10,000 contribution questioned
Separately, Illyas called for a documented explanation of a US$10,000 contribution which, according to his account, was provided to Sri Lanka Rugby through UAE Rugby by Qais Abdulla Al Dhalai, the current Asia Rugby President, in 2018, during Lasitha Gunaratne’s presidency of Sri Lanka Rugby.
Illyas stated that the contribution was made while Al Dhalai was seeking nominations and canvassing support for his candidacy for the Asia Rugby presidency. He called for an independent examination of the payment’s purpose, authorisation, receipt and use, including whether it had any connection to that election campaign.
‘I raised this matter at an Asia Rugby Executive Committee meeting while serving as Sri Lanka Rugby President. To date, I have not received a satisfactory explanation supported by financial records. Who received the contribution, how was it recorded, and how was it used?’ he said.
He called on Al Dhalai, Asia Rugby, UAE Rugby and Sri Lanka Rugby to provide the relevant records and explanations.
Illyas also disputed the handling of subsequent Asia Rugby disciplinary proceedings concerning a private WhatsApp exchange with Al Dhalai. He said he believed those proceedings were connected to his raising the contribution issue and maintained that supporting evidence had not been adequately presented. He stated that the period of the resulting sanction had ended.
‘The sanction period has ended, but my questions remain. Produce the transfer records, identify the recipient and explain the expenditure,’ he said.
Illyas said he understood that a report concerning the contribution had been officially submitted. He urged the competent Sri Lankan authorities to examine the available transfer records, recipient accounts, approvals and expenditure documents before reaching conclusions.
He said any visit to Sri Lanka by Asia Rugby President Qais Abdulla Al Dhalai would provide an opportunity for the authorities to seek clarification and, where appropriate, record a statement, while giving Al Dhalai a fair opportunity to respond and provide documentation.
‘This is a call for accountability and an impartial examination. Any decision to question, arrest or detain a person belongs to the competent authorities and must be based on evidence and lawful grounds. Allegations are not proof of guilt,’ he said.
Elephant gift and private dinner in 2021
Illyas further alleged that Qais Abdulla Al Dhalai received an expensive elephant gift in 2021 during an unofficial visit to Sri Lanka, when Sri Lanka Rugby hosted him at a private dinner at the Shangri-La Hotel. He urged the Hon. Minister of Sports to convene an inquiry at which all necessary supporting documents could be tabled and the circumstances of the gift and hospitality examined. The allegation should be tested against the records and the applicable governance requirements, with an opportunity for those concerned to respond.
Minister urged to address outstanding concerns
Illyas questioned what he described as the absence of an inquiry by the current Minister of Sports despite repeated representations, including an official letter, WhatsApp communications and concerns raised through the press.
‘I have repeatedly brought these matters to the Minister’s attention, yet I have not been informed of an independent inquiry or received a substantive response. In my view, this amounts to turning a blind eye to concerns that deserve proper examination,’ he said.
He called for an inquiry into the matter involving Korean visas, alongside an examination of Sri Lanka Rugby’s financial administration. Questions concerning expenditure on tickets, travel and the use of sponsorship funds, he said, should be resolved through supporting records and an independent audit.
Illyas urged the Minister and relevant institutions to support an independent process without political interference. Any evidence of attempted obstruction, he added, should be examined through the appropriate lawful channels.
Rs 4.7 million repayment claim
Illyas further stated that Sri Lanka Rugby owes him Rs. 4.7 million, which he has formally requested in writing. According to his account, the supporting documentation is held by the Union, and the amount payable to him has also been recorded in a report by the relevant Government sports audit authority.
He said he had not received a substantive response from Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando concerning the claim.
Illyas stated that the current Executive Director also served during his presidency and was familiar with the expenditure, supporting documentation and matters recorded in minutes and submitted to the Council for approval. He called on the Executive Director to provide those records and accurately brief the current Council so that the claim can be independently verified and resolved.
‘If the Union disputes this amount, it should identify the disputed items and explain its position in writing, supported by the accounts, minutes and approval records,’ he said.
Illyas welcomes investigation into his own presidency
Illyas said Fernando had previously called for an investigation into expenditure during his presidency, but that he was unaware of a completed independent investigation addressing those concerns.
‘I welcome an independent investigation into my own period as President, including the money spent, its purpose and the approvals obtained. The same scrutiny should apply to subsequent administrations. The public deserves a clear account supported by evidence,’ he said.
He called for an independent forensic audit covering the relevant past and current periods, including sponsorship income, ticketing and travel expenditure, payments, liabilities and his Rs. 4.7 million claim.
Illyas said the Executive Director should explain the records and advice provided to successive Councils. Any concerns about missing documentation, inaccurate reporting or failures of duty, he added, should be assessed independently before responsibility or further action is determined.
Executive Director accountability and supporting records
Illyas stated that the current Executive Director, who also served the previous administration, must support and substantiate his explanations concerning the relevant financial matters through accounts, minutes, approvals and other records. He called for an investigation if the Executive Director cannot substantiate his position, and for prosecution if evidence establishes that he knowingly aided or abetted wrongdoing in this matter. Any decision to prosecute must be made by the competent authorities on the evidence; an inability to explain or produce records alone does not establish criminal liability.
‘The Government has committed itself to transparency and good governance. Those principles must also apply to sports administration. I ask the Minister to respond to the outstanding representations, facilitate an independent examination and ensure that the findings are made public, subject to lawful confidentiality requirements,’ he said.
‘Sri Lanka rugby deserves clear answers. A transparent examination would allow everyone concerned to respond and help restore confidence in the administration of the sport.’
The contribution allegations, disciplinary concerns, criticism of the Minister, financial concerns and repayment claim represent Illyas’s position. They were not findings of the Online Safety Act ruling. All individuals and institutions concerned should have a fair opportunity to respond and provide relevant records.
Illyas thanked his legal team: Senior Counsel Thishya Weragoda, Attorney-at-Law; Counsel Ruven Weerasinghe, Attorney-at-Law; Counsel Saman Ranchagoda, Attorney-at-Law; and Paralegals Riaasat Hannan and Erandi Sandamalee.