Some good, some bad, Rebirth of a Rugby legend but overall unsatisfactory SLSRFA President makes shocking exit
Ranjith Chandrasekara, the President of Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Football Association (SLSRFA) has tendered his resignation according to reliable sources. Chandrasekara, who was elected to head the governing body of the most followed schools sport in the island, had earlier made indications that he will step down at this year's Annual General Meeting (AGM), but the Executive Committee of SLSRFA has declined to entertain his decision.
However, through a letter dated April 3, 2019, addressed to the Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Chandrasekara has stated his decision to willingly resign from the position of President of SLSRFA, citing personal reasons. His decision comes as a surprise to many in the SLSRFA, but Chandrasekara had openly revealed his decision to step down at the AGM of 2019, which was held during the month of March.
"I had already given the Committee the news that I will resign and told them to find a suitable candidate to fill the position. But the Committee requested me to hold back my decision at least until the Singer Schools Rugby League Tournament is over. Now that the first round of the League is completed, and all arrangements related to the second round, have been put in place, I think it's timely that I step down and give someone fitting, the responsibility of leading the SLSRFA," Mr. Chandrasekara told the Sunday Times.
However, it is reliably learnt that Chandrasekara was subjected to serious questioning following the expenditure on Sri Lanka's recent Junior Asiad Tournament tour to Chinese Taipei, which amounted close to Rs. 10Million. This was the first occasion the SLSRFA had to take the financial responsibility of the Sri Lanka Under-19 team, following the decision of Sri Lanka Rugby to take off the national junior team from its expenditure list.
"My reason to step down from the position is purely personal, and it has been mentioned in my letter to the Ministry Secretary. I was honoured to serve SLSRFA at different honorary positions, but I seriously think that I do not fit in there anymore," Mr. Chandrasekara added.
With the second round of the Singer Schools Rugby League Tournament set to begin from April 25, following the long holiday season and school holidays, the SLSRFA is yet to decide on its next step of appointing a new President. Most office bearers and members of SLSRFA are still unaware of Mr. Chandrasekara's decision, which came mid week.
The SLSRFA will have time until this Friday, April 12, to meet the Ministry of Education officials and discuss the matter, even if they are planning to appoint an Acting President, before calling in a Special General Meeting to appoint a President. Susantha Mendis, the Senior Vice President of SLSRFA, will possibly come in as the Acting President while the other positions will remain unchanged.
"Mr. Chandrasekara was the ideal person to lead the SLSRFA, but his sudden decision is a total surprise. The SLSRFA will have to meet the Ministry of Education officials within the coming week to discuss what should be done. If Mr. Chandrasekara's decision is final, then we will have to call for a Special General Meeting, which will obviously take place after the holiday season, during the end of April," Mendis, who was equally surprised by Chandrasekara's sudden decision, told the Sunday Times.
Chandraseakra served the SLSRFA in different positions before he took the reins in early 2000, while he was the Principal of Kingswood College, Kandy. Known as a dynamic and tough administrator, he was reappointed once more before ending his second term to join the Ministry of Education as a Director. But upon stern requests made by the SLSRFA members, he returned to serve a third term in 2018.