April 27, Colombo (LNW): Japan’s objection to World Rugby’s decision to remove Japan Rugby Football Union President Kensuke Iwabuchi from the Asian Rugby Executive Committee, from 21st December 2024 to 9th January 2025, has
been reviewed. The objection was based on concerns regarding the content of the documents that Asia Rugby EXCO members were required to sign, including (a) the Non-Disclosure Agreement, (b) the Executive Committee Employment Declaration, and (c) the Declaration of Income from Rugby-related Activities. It has been concluded that questioning Iwabuchi in this manner was reasonable. Additionally, it has been noted that this reflects an act of good governance.
The implication of questioning something suggests that it is reasonable to identify an unjust reason for doing so. Therefore, the most crucial aspect here is for the country to stand up against the injustice done to this reasonable individual. Japan is offering a valuable lesson to the humble conduct of certain government officials in Sri Lanka, who are misleading the government by asserting that the existing laws in the country cannot be applied to the Asian chairman, and to the lack of discernment shown by the politician who follows their misguided lead.
The official involved in the alleged £50,000 incident with the Sri Lankan Sports Minister now finds himself in a position where he frequently hosts happy gatherings and parties with the Minister, even offering advice. The reason Sri Lanka Rugby must begin addressing issues with Asia is not, as commonly believed, due to the conflict with Rizly Illyas. It all stems from the fact that Sri Lanka did not vote for Asia Rugby President Qais Abdullah Al Dalai when he first assumed office. At that time, the President of Sri Lanka Rugby was Lasitha Gunaratne. Qais’ friend, Asanga Seneviratne, along with Rizly Illyas, argued that Lasitha should not have taken that stance.
However, when Illyas arrived in Lasitha’s circle, Asanga had already been granted a position of friendship by Qais. Asanga was the President of the administration linked to the £50,000 incident and faced significant rejection within the Sri Lanka Rugby union. At that time, Asanga and his group made several controversial decisions, attempting to elevate the reputation of the Rajapaksa family, a reputation that Namal Rajapaksa sought to improve after becoming the Sports Minister.
An advisory committee was set up under the residentship of Asanga, with the participation of the Asia President, over the administration that existed at one point. The administration did not agree to this, constitutionally and in accordance with the law of the country. Moreover, the local sponsor, Namal Rajapaksa, was also brought in to help Asia, giving Namal the false opportunity to be the chief guest.
In this manner, the then Sri Lanka President, along with Namal as Minister, condemned the political influence exerted by the Asian President, who was operating outside the Sri Lanka Rugby Administration and disregarding the administrative independence of the country’s rugby governance, in a private WhatsApp conversation.
Although this accusation was made on a very personal matter, the Sri Lankan President continued to obstruct the Sri Lankan President and the Sri Lanka Rugby Administration, suspecting that the Asia President, Kensuke Iwabuchi, the President of the Japan Rugby Football Union, would bring undue influence to the Asian Executive Council.
The best thing to do is to create reasons for those obstacles, Namal and after Namal left due to the struggle, the ministers agreed with the Asia President, banned the administration of rugby in Sri Lanka, and danced to the tune of the Asia President and acted absurdly. The current government, which came to power mainly on the basis of the struggle, is doing its best and speaking out against the mistakes in Parliament while also appearing naked outside. Japan’s intervention is taking place against this backdrop.
The reason why Japan is developed and Sri Lanka is not developed is the way it thinks about its own country’s independence, the courage to stand up for justice and fairness, and the value it gives to nationality.
Instead of informing the international federations to request information regarding the removal of the person who represented their country’s sport without a proper investigation report or charge sheet, the Sri Lankan authorities preferred to unilaterally cuddle in the lap of the Asia President. Anura Kumara Dissanayake came to this country, instilling in society the belief that a path would be prepared for the common people of this country, not limited to the needs of the princely class, but to make a way for them to live like princely lives. However, the action of that government has been to formulate the constitution of Sri Lanka Rugby in a way that consolidates power for the intentions of a princely class in rugby and limits its administration.
The Sri Lankan sports authority, obediently aligning with the Asian level, and the need to cater to the interests of Namal and his group, as well as Malik Samarawickrama who represents those interests, have been compelled to endorse the praise generated for the rugby coronation. This praise is being used to justify the irrational manner in which the expansion of rugby in the country is being restricted.
Japan’s strength, confidence, and unwavering determination to defend its national identity deserve to be appreciated once again. From this perspective, one might question whether the Sri Lankan authorities possess a tongue as flexible as their words.
*Adapted from original article, “ලංකාවෙ කොඳුවල ඇට නැති පාලකයන්ට ජපානයෙන් පාඩමක්” by Nishman Ranasinghe published on 29/04/2025.
