On the occasion of Sri Lanka obtaining entrance to the Hong Kong 7s, ThePapare.com ventured into seeking the opinion of a cross-section of fans, administrators and players.
In one voice the community endorsed the entrance and here is what some of them had to say :
Rizly Illyas – Secretary of the SLRFU
It’s a great recall for Sri Lanka Rugby, it was our President Mr. Asanga Seniviratna who is the current Secretary General of ARFU pushed the request from SLRFU to the IRB. We also should not forget the people who have been the reason for us to regain this position Players, Coach, Managers, the SLRFU and the Hon. Minister of Sports Mr. Mahndananda Aluthgamaga.
Great appreciation to the Hon. Minister firstly for putting the SLRFU on the correct path from the Interim Committee period. Now we have the potential and the professionalism both from the players and the administration to be at the top level. We are in touch with Ben Gollings who is currently in USA and we are in the process of securing a contract for HK 7’s and the Olympic Youth Games as Sri Lanka 7’s coach.
Rizah Mubarak – CR & FC and Sri Lanka
I would like to congratulate the boys who worked really hard for this and the coaches including the management. Well done! You guys deserved it!
Shanaka Amarasinghe – commentator and host of sports show on radio
“Walking into watch Sri Lanka play in the final round of the Asian Circuit in Singapore, it was amazing to hear the support for the SL team from most other competing teams, and also to find out that ‘Soori’ was the name on everyone’s lips. What Soori and the team have achieved this year is phenomenal, despite some hiccups in the administration of the team. Onward and upward!”
Dilroy Fernando – Former CEO SLRFU, Former President Sri Lanka Rugby Referees, Former Asian Elite Panel Rugby Referee
Congratulations to our 7’s hero’s led by Fazil Marija who has brought honor to our Country. We must also thank the President SLRFU, Asanga and his team at the Union for giving all support to the team.
Well done Sri Lanka Rugby we are proud of you !
Sean Wijesinghe – Sri Lanka Captain 2011
Sri Lanka Rugby had a great year 2013. In the 15 A side, we managed to promote ourselves to the top five under the leadership of Yoshitha and in 7’s, we managed to be placed as the 3rd performing well team throughout the series under the leadership of Fazil. But I believe credit is also due to the Rugby administration in recruiting Ben Gollings as the coach. He himself has been one of the world’s high reputed players and has retired recently managing to contribute much to the game which players found it immensely beneficial. Also it’s a well-known fact that Srinath Sooriyabandara had a great series in becoming one of the highest try scorer’s. Once again proving to Sri Lanka that he is the number one 7’s player in this era. So as a player, I want to wish everyone all the very best because it is a good opportunity for Sri Lankan rugby to reveal the potential to the rest of the world as all eyes are fixed on this tournament, and move on to the world series and Olympic games.
Sanath Martis – Coach – CH & FC and Royal and formerly St Peter’s and Sri Lanka U19
It is nice to hear that Sri Lanka received the opportunity to take part in the Hong Kong Sevens this year. It is very good news to the Sri Lankan rugby fraternity and is also a huge achievement. This also gives hope to the younger generation, who could set their sights on participating in a tournament of such high caliber. It is a great opportunity for even the current players to be a part of as it will be a different experience considering the setup and the atmosphere of the tournament. We must be thankful to all the players and the coaches who have contributed towards this achievement. It also goes to show, that the local coaches we possess are of high quality, and a lot of credit should be given to their contributions.
Sankha de Livera Tennakoon – former CEO ThePapare.com
Being thoroughly immersed in the highs and lows of Sri Lanka Rugby through the past 5 years, it is personal privilege to witness this phase of Sri Lanka rugby –It’s a coming together of all quarters- players, administration, media, and especially the passionate fans who never gave up on the nations Rugby.
Kush Neo – fan of Sri Lanka Rugby
Oh I’m over the moon , feels really proud as a Sri Lankan, hats off to Namal as well for his concept of Carlton 7s, it has really helped Sri Lanka 7s to improve a lot. Only one negative point I have about this 7s team .We don’t have an international 7s coach .. now we are in the world stage time to take a step forward and hire an international 7s specialized coach
Vernon Perera – fan of Sri Lanka Rugby
It was disappointing that Sri Lanka lost its status in Rugby after being one of the leading Countries in Asia. However, this entry clearly shows what can be achieved when people set aside differences and come together as nation. There may be many unsung heroes in this journey. Kudus to everyone who lent shoulder regardless!!!!!!!
