Sri Lanka, Oct. 15 -- Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando praised Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage for his "hard work and commitment" that saved the nation from a possible World Rugby ban, just days before Colombo hosts the grand finale of the Asian Emirates Rugby Sevens Series on October 18 and 19.

"I share my deepest gratitude on behalf of the entire rugby fraternity of Sri Lanka to the Sports minister. Without his tireless effort to clear the legal roadblocks, we wouldn't be here today as the governing body. World Rugby would have banned Sri Lanka at this stage," Fernando said. "So thank you, minister - you have given us an opportunity to take this beautiful game forward."

The newly elected rugby chief sa...