Ex-Sri Lanka rugby skipper and open-side flanker Pavithra Fernando speaking to The Daily Morning Sports on Friday (8), announced his intention to contest the post of President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) which is to be held on 9 September.
He stated that he had decided to throw his hat into the ring, due to numerous requests made by rugby fans and colleagues alike, as they had felt that the sport here needed a fresh face to take it to the next level.
He said that currently he was in the process of finalising his team to contest the long-overdue election to the sport’s domestic governing body, and noted that once it is confirmed, he will reveal further details along with his manifesto in due course.
“I have already identified a solid team of officials and I also have an action plan that will ensure Sri Lanka Rugby will be back where it should belong,” the redoubtable former star affectionately known as ‘Pavi’ said.
“As you know, I am extremely passionate about the game and will work tirelessly to ensure our goals and targets are reached.”
Asked whether he has completed a full term in the SLR Council to be eligible to contest the upcoming election as per the SLR Constitution, he maintained that nowhere has it been mentioned that one has to complete a term to be eligible to contest.
“I’ve served in the SLR Council from 2020-22,” he opined, adding that he has also obtained legal opinion, ahead of submitting his nomination to contest the top post.
When pressed for his chances of helming the SLR after its AGM early next month, Pavithra known for his abrasive playing style, exuded confidence insisting that he has the requisite votes to take him to the zenith of the administrative sphere in local rugby.
He argued that if that were not the case, he would not have even mulled contesting it in the first place, observing that he has the necessary qualifications from the academic and sporting sectors to vie for the SLR Presidency.
It is also learnt reliably that Fernando has already drafted a two-year strategic plan to uplift local rugby and that the former flank forward’s eight-year comprehensive plan is to be divulged next week.
Fernando added that with his decision to contest the election of SLR, he will also be stepping down from being the head of Sri Lanka Rugby Players association (SLRPA), which was only formed three months prior.
The association was established to work on the aspect of local rugby players’ welfare and further broaden the scope for the support systems to build their future careers.
Fernando, 45, a mercurial backrower in his prime, represented his country at three Rugby Asiads under Harris Omar, Pradeep Basnayake and Sajith Mallikarachchi in 2002, 2004 and 2006, respectively.
Afterwards he wore the captain’s armband during the Asian Division 1 Tournament in Dubai, three years later.
The former Royal College skipper and loose forward known for his tireless work rate and for his prowess at the breakdown, led his alma mater to a 14-10 victory over Isipathana, ending the latter’s 37 match unbeaten streak in the Schools League Championship back in 1998.
He also turned out for CR and FC with distinction, and was known for his unwavering loyalty to the Longden Place club and dedicated his entire club career to it, at a time when players were known to switch club allegiances willy-nilly.
He skippered the red shirts for three successive years from 2004 to 2006, with one of his career-high points being leading them to Clifford Cup glory over Havelocks SC in his final year, after some 17 years.
The former national captain is also the son of ex-Defence Secretary Hemasiri Fernando – a one-time Chairperson of the National Olympic Committee (NOC), and a well-known figure in the local sporting firmament.
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