The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court dismissed a petition filed by Asanga Seneviratne against former President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Rizly Illyas under the Online Safety Act. In its September 25, 2026 order, the court considered Illyas’ preliminary objection, supporting evidence and written submissions, as well as the material relied upon in the petition. Applying [...]
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The court's verdict came in favour of Illyas (left) against Seneviratne
The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court dismissed a petition filed by Asanga Seneviratne against former President of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) Rizly Illyas under the Online Safety Act. In its September 25, 2026 order, the court considered Illyas’ preliminary objection, supporting evidence and written submissions, as well as the material relied upon in the petition.
Applying Section 20 of the Act, it found that the material did not establish that the challenged statements were false. It also concluded that the photographs and information were not private in nature within the meaning of the Act and that the statements did not constitute ‘prohibited statements’.
Illyas’ submissions referred to information already in the public domain, including previously published press statements concerning a £50,000 World Rugby fine relating to allegedly forged player documentation and a reported Rs. 35 million debt incurred by Sri Lanka Rugby, both of which he stated arose during Seneviratne’s tenure as President. Illyas maintained that the information he referred to was drawn from existing public sources and concerned matters of legitimate public interest, particularly accountability in sports administration. He also raised concerns regarding Seneviratne’s recent nomination for the Presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, alleging non-compliance with applicable rules and requirements.
These matters were raised in the context of sports governance and accountability and not as separate findings by the court on the underlying allegations or the validity of the NOC nomination. The court upheld Illyas’ preliminary objection, immediately dissolved the conditional order previously issued against him, and dismissed the petition and relief sought.
“This ruling matters to me because the court considered the material before it and upheld the preliminary objection raised by my legal team. The conditional order against me has been dissolved and the case dismissed,” Illyas stated.
“My intention was to draw attention to matters of public interest and encourage accountability within the sport. I will continue to speak openly and responsibly about rugby governance and accountability. Matters of public interest should be addressed through facts and fair debate,” he added.
Illyas was represented by his legal team — Attorneys-at-Law Senior Counsel Thishya Weragoda, Counsel Ruven Weerasinghe, Counsel Saman Ranchagoda, and Paralegals Riaasat Hannan and Erandi Sandamalee.
Print Edition – The Sunday Times, Sri Lanka
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