In a crucial development the three defence services of the Army, Navy and Air Force along with the Police have overwhelmingly pledged to support Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) in its efforts to take the sport to more people and players in the rest of the country.
The pledge was made when the re-elected head of SLR Rizly Illyas and his secretary the former Police goal kicking maestro Nizam Jamaldeen met representatives of the armed services this week.
“We had a cordial meeting with the tri forces and police to discuss our shortcomings and reached a common goal to take rugby forward to more places in the country,” said Illyas. “The tri forces have contributed not only towards rugby but towards all sports in the country”.
Of the eight teams involved in the Premier domestic championship, four belong to the armed forces and police.
Illyas said they would also hold discussions with World Rugby, the global governing body of the sport to enlist foreign coaches and trainers to assist in develop,ment work while Sri Lanka players will be able to use the High Performance facility of the tri forces.