Desperate Sri Lanka received some hopes of strengthening their side for the Carlton Sevens with the news that former Sri Lanka skipper and veteran rugby player Radeeka Hettiarachchi could receive the green light from the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU), to represent the country.

Hettiarachchi, who’s serving a two year ban from representing Sri Lanka, is reported to have tendered an apology and requested that the ban imposed is lifted. This is a procedure specified by the SLRFU to all banned players if they wish to represent the country before the ban expires. About 15 of the country’s best players were slapped with bans when they refused to tour Dubai with the national team for the Asian Five Nations tournament. The majority of the original players named in the squad pulled out due to a dispute over the appointed captain. The players were banned following a directive by Sports Minister, Gamini Lokuge.

Rugby Interim Committee Chairman Dr. Maiya Gunasekere told ‘The Island’ that Hettiarachchi had tendered a letter of apology and the SLRFU would make the availability of the player known by Thursday. The player has made the appeal to the Sports Minister through the SLRFU.

Gunasekere acknowledged the fact that Hettiarachchi was practicing with the Sri Lanka team which will contest the Carlton Sevens, in the same pool with South Korea and Pakistan.

Gunasekere, elaborating on Hettiarachchi’s desire to make a comeback, to the national team said, "He seems to have realized his mistake and has promised in the letter never to repeat the act of shunning national duty again."

"He has realized that nobody is bigger than the game. Rugby players in this country must realize that they are there (playing) because of rugby and that the sport doesn’t survive because of them," Gunasekere added.

Sri Lanka coach Imthie Marikar said that he would be delighted to have Hettiarachchi back, if possible. "He was the best player for Sri Lanka at the 2009 Hong Kong Sevens and all the experience he carries would benefit the team immensely," said Marikar.

Hettiarachchi was at his best at the Hong Kong Sevens this year, scoring two memorable tries against mighty Australia.

Sri Lanka’s fitness trainer Mohotilal Jayatilake said that Hettiarachchi was training hard and should raise his fitness level a few notches, before the tournament begins on September 28 at the Sugathadasa Stadium, in Colombo.