Dharmaraja, Trinity & Carey banned from Rugby

In a controversial turn of events, the Ministry of Education, according to an official communiqué issued with regard to the recent developments in the school rugby arena, has made the decision to ban Dharmaraja College for a duration of nine-months for their unlawful conduct during the St. Joseph’s encounter in Bogambara.

Trinity College has also been given a six month ban citing the incident that occurred during the second leg of the 72^nd Bradby Shield encounter.

In addition to the two division I schools, Carey College Colombo has also been given a six-month match ban following the incident that took place in their encounter against Padukka Sri Piyarathna College on the 24^th of May 2016.

The Trinity College ban comes two months after the incident that occurred at the Pallekelle Stadium during the award ceremony of the 72^nd Bradby Shield encounter where a brawl which broke out between the players, split over to the crowd.

The Education Ministry in its official Press Release on the 30^th of June 2016 cited the following:

“The incident that occurred in the Bradby Shield match hosted by Trinity College played against Royal College –

The hosts Trinity College under 20 team has been given a 6 month match ban with effect from 1^st July 2016”

Meanwhile the l incident that occurred during the Dharmaraja vs St. Joseph’s College match that was played on the 18^th of June 2016 has resulted in Dharmaraja College receiving a 9-month match ban restricting the under 20 team from all possible activity. They will thereafter be under a two-year probationary period.

The release also states the following on the ban inflicted on Dharmaraja College:

1. The team physio will be banned from participating in any sports activity of Dharmaraja College for a duration of one year
2. The team master-in-charge has been given a stern warning for his actions
3. The head coach of the team Radhika Hettiarachchi has been banned from coaching any other schools rugby team in the country
4. The assistant coach will receive a six month ban from coaching with effect from 1^st July 2016
5. The following players will be banned from participating in the sport of rugby during their school career:

The Carey College under 20 rugby team has been banned for a duration of six months with effect from 1^st July 2016 which will be followed by a probationary period of two years.

The release also states that all wins that Carey registered during this year will be voided and the coach of the team D. Nimal will be barred from coaching for a period of six months with effect from 1^st July 2016.