The Attorney General has informed the Court of Appeal that the incumbent Minister of Sports – Roshan Ranasinghe has decided to withdraw the gazette notification issued by former Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa, suspending the activities of Sri Lanka Rugby.

Then Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa had issued a gazette notification on April 01, 2022, suspending the registration of the Sports Association for Sri Lanka Rugby – the official governing body of the sport in Sri Lanka.

However, Sri Lanka Rugby and its Chairman Rizly Ilyas had filed a writ petition seeking an order that the relevant gazette notification be declared unlawful, and to cancel it.

Accordingly, Additional Solicitor General Sumathi Jayawardene who appeared on behalf of the incumbent Minister of Sports, mentioned before the courts that his client, the Sports Minister has decided to withdraw the relevant gazette notification.

The petition was taken up before the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice A. Marikkar today (April 03).

Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in the Super Over of the opening T20I, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing 197, New Zealand leveled the scores on the very last ball, thanks to Ish Sodhi’s timely six.

However, the Lankans eventually claimed victory in the one-over eliminator.

Charith Asalanka (67) and Kusal Perera (53*) starred for the visitors.

Earlier, New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl in Auckland.

Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Roshan Ranasinghe has written to the Chairman of the International Cricket Council (ICC), Greg Barclay, pertaining to recent media reports claiming that a committee has been appointed to investigate Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).

Issuing a release in this regard, the Ministry noted that Ranasinghe had written to Barclay, requesting a discussion on media reports claiming that the ICC has appointed a three-member committee to investigate into the alleged political interference within SLC.

The statement further noted that in his letter, the Minister assured that he shared the same ideals as the ICC on the fact that the SLC should remain independent, adding that other registered national sports bodies too, should be devoid of political interference.

Moreover, Minster Ranasinghe stated that it is essential that all sports teams and organizations within the country act in accordance with a certain standard, in light of the fact that they are also subjected to the conditions and regulations of international organizations.