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Pavi vs. Bonsa: Clash for the Sri LankaRugby Presidency

Byadmin Local, Sports

Sri Lanka Rugby stands at a crossroads. Two giants of the game — Pavithra “Pavi” Fernando and Lasitha “Bonsa” Gunarathne — are battling for the top seat. Both carry Royal College and CR & FC pride, both wore the national jersey, both were long-time servants of the national team. But beyond the shared roots, their paths diverge sharply.

General Profile

  • Pavithra “Pavi” Fernando
    • Age: 45
    • School: Royal College, Colombo
    • Education: Completed GCE O/L & A/L at Royal 
    • Bachelor’s in Business Management (Northwood University) 
    • Diploma in Advanced Sports Management 
    • Olympic Solidarity Sports Administrator Certification
    • Level 1 Strength & Conditioning (Australian S&C Association).
  • Lasitha “Bonsa” Gunarathne
    • Age: 56
    • School: Royal College, Colombo
    • Education: Completed GCE O/L & A/L at Royal.

Rugby Pedigree

  • Fernando:
    • Four-year coloursman at Royal.
    • CR & FC and Sri Lanka National Team player for 11 years.
    • Captained CR & FC in 2004, 2005, 2006.
    • National Captain in 2009.
  • Gunarathne:
    • Four-year coloursman at Royal.
    • CR & FC and Sri Lanka National Team player for 8 years.
    • Captained CR & FC in 1992, 1993, 1995.

Rugby Leadership Experience

  • Fernando:
    • Current Chairman of Rugby, CR & FC (serving for 7 years as board member).
    • Founding member & President, Sri Lanka Rugby Players Association (SLRPA).
    • Built credibility as both a player advocate and administrator with professional sports management credentials.
  • Gunarathne:
    • President, Sri Lanka Rugby (2018–2020).
    • His tenure, however, is widely criticized for:
      • Decline of the national team (ranking fell from 2nd to 6th in Asia).
      • Reduced number of international tours.
      • Leaving behind an LKR 18 million deficit.
      • Setting the stage for instability that saw SLR later lose World Rugby recognition and be dissolved by the Sports Ministry under his successor.

The Professional Edge

What sets Fernando apart is his mix of education and sports science expertise. With qualifications in business management, advanced sports management, and strength & conditioning, he presents himself as the modern rugby administrator: data-driven, professionally trained, and internationally certified.

By contrast, Gunarathne leans heavily on tradition and past playing glory. While respected as a former player and leader, his administrative record has become his Achilles’ heel.

A Club’s Choice

Though both men built their entire rugby careers at CR & FC, it was Pavi who received the club’s official nomination for president. This subtle yet decisive move underscores the confidence CR places in its younger administrator. For Bonsa, it meant seeking a nomination from a club he never represented on the field.

The Verdict

The 2025 presidency offers a clear choice:

  • Fernando: A modern, qualified, and forward-looking leader, backed not only by his professional credentials but also by the trust of his home club, CR & FC.
  • Gunarathne: An elder statesman with a proud past but carrying the shadow of a troubled administrative record — and notably, without the endorsement of the club he once served.

As Sri Lanka Rugby faces a decisive election, the real question is whether the fraternity will embrace a new era with Pavi at the helm, or take a step back with Bonsa.

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