The Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) and the national team sponsors, Dialog, hosted a felicitation ceremony for the national rugby team for their excellent performance recently in the Philippines where they won the Asian Rugby Division I Championship.

Skipper Fazil Marija handed over the title trophy to Naveen Dissanayaka, the Sports Minister, during the felicitation ceremony.

Skipper Fazil Marija handed over the Asian Rugby Division I Championship title trophy to Naveen Dissanayaka, Minister of Sports, and Dialog Axiata’s Group Chief Executive, Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya during the felicitation ceremony held on Thursday. President of the SLRFU, Asanga Senaviratne, also in the picture.

With this win, Sri Lanka has a chance to move to the top tier next year if they beat the eventual third place in the Elite Division.

President of the SLRFU, Asanga Senaviratne, addressing the gathering, said that Sri Lanka’s overall international ranking has increased by nine places, from 47th to 38th.

Senaviratne further added saying: "Sri Lanka is not in a position to challenge Hong Kong who is ranked 29th. The national team needs more international exposure before next year’s championship."

Skipper Fazil Marija, addressing the gathering, also mentioned about the importance of international exposure.

Dialog Axiata’s Group Chief Executive Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya was also present at the felicitation ceremony.

-The Island