Include rugby in next SAG in Pakistan urges SLR chief

“We kindly urge the Ambassador of Pakistan help us to include rugby at the next South Asian Games(SAG) to be held in Pakistan next year” was the request made by Lasitha Guneratne, President of Sri Lanka Rugby(SLR) to Muhammad Saad Khattak, Ambassador of Pakistan to Sri Lanka at a ceremony held at their headquarters yesterday.

This request was made by the Local rugby chief at a SLR hosted ceremony to accept some rugby gear from the “Pakistan-Sri Lanka Friendship” society at their premises. Lasitha was thankful to the Ambassador and the Pakistan government for giving a helping hand, offering some rugby gear when the world is facing the deadly Corona pandemic. “We know that Pakistan as a country has contributed immensely not only for sports but also in various other circumstances including the three-decade civil war. While making the request to include Rugby into the SAG games next year, we in return would also likely to support them to develop the game of Rugby there.

Sri Lanka with a Rugby history of over 140 years is floating around in the Asian Level and are yet to make an impact at the World Level.” said Gunaratne.

He illustrated how the game of rugby gained momentum and has become one of the popular sports in the country. Domestic rugby, especially the school’s arena has gained a lot of popularity with 2000 to 5000 people gathering to support their teams after paying for their tickets.

The Ambassador emphasized on the close relationship between the two countries and how both cultures have associated in the past up to now.

He also shared his experience in the last six months from the time of his appointment here. “Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and the people are so kind and nice to each other. We have to maintain what our forefathers and predecessors have given to us. This is a small token for the love and respect for the people of this country. This stuff wouldn’t be sufficient for all the rugby players here. But it just shows our gesture on our part to remain connected to our brothers and sisters here.