The Rugby Interim Committee had positive news for the rugby fraternity on Thursday when they announced that Kelani Cables PLC had made a commitment to sponsor the country’s rugby referees, for 2009.

The sponsorship monies received on behalf of rugby referees were received by the Rugby Interim Committee officials in the wake of a decision taken by the Sports Minister to stop recognizing the Society for Rugby Referees in Sri Lanka (SRRSL), as a sports body.

Dr. Maiya Gunasekere Chairman Rugby Interim Committee assured representatives of Kelani Cables PLC at a press conference held in connection with the sponsorship deal, and held at the SLRFU headquarters, that the monies would be spent carefully.

Lasitha Guneratne CEO Rugby Interim Committee said that rugby’s interim body had obtained the services of rugby referees willing to officiate in the remainder of the tournaments for 2009 in the face of a boycott of matches by the SRRSL.

According to officials of the rugby interim body, the SRRSL still has differences with them and refrains from sending their representatives for SLRFU conducted tournaments.

Guneratne said that the Rugby Interim Committee had written to the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) and requested the services of referees during this crisis period where the SLRFU rugby calendar for 2009 needs to be completed.

He went on to add that the SLRFU had taken rugby refereeing under its purview and at present had found more than 30 referees who are volunteering to officiate in matches. He added that all referees from now on will be registered under the SLRFU in keeping with the Sports Law.

Dr. Gunasekere said that the rugby interim committee would in future not pay referees and instead only reimburse ‘out of pocket’ expenses by referees. He said the SRRSL had made rugby a business by charging exorbitant fees for their services, adding "The SRRSL is using the word ‘professional’ loosely and are demanding money for their services. I don’t know of any rugby referee in the word who is a professional".