The Rugby Interim Committee has written to all players who refrained from going to Dubai for the Asian Five Nations tournament with the national team to offer explanation for their actions.

These players have also been informed in the letter that the Rugby Interim Committee has suggested to the Sports Minister not to afford them opportunities to represent Sri Lanka till the inquiry into their actions concludes.

A reliable source told The Island that in the letter sent to the players, the rugby interim committee queries why they stayed away from making the tour party when they were fully aware of the consequences.

The letter further states that the players have acted irresponsibly by pulling out 24 hours before the team’s departure. It also states that they had given all indication that they would take part in the Asian Five Nations by posing for the team photograph along with national coach George Simpkins.

It has been conveyed to the players that the Rugby Interim Committee considered them as adults and they should have been aware that Sri Lanka would have been relegated to the bottom group and also faced disciplinary action in the case Sri Lanka failed to participate at the tournament.

The Rugby Interim Committee has in the letter been critical of the rebel players for keeping away from making the tour party without notifying their intentions in writing.

In the letter, the Rugby Interim Committee has informed the players that it has requested from the sports minister to carryout an investigation as to why these players didn’t tour Dubai even after their names were ratified by the sports minister.

Rugby Interim Committee Secretary Kiran Attapattu when contacted confirmed the Rugby Interim Committee sending letters individually to the players.

"The players will be given two weeks to respond. I believe the Sports Minister will serve the hardest punishment on the players if they are found guilty in the inquiry," Atapattu said.