World Rugby confirmed that they have commenced investigations into the wildly criticized incident, where its own accredited Educator and Trainer Sanath Martis was captured on video, assaulting a student of St. Peter’s College that he coaches in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Responding to Colombo Telegraph’s query, World Rugby’s Head of Communications Dominic Rumble replied from its headquarters in Dublin Ireland saying “You will appreciate that we are unable to comment whilst a disciplinary process is ongoing.”
Earlier commentators on social media both locally and globally vociferously condemned St. Peter’s College rugby coach Sanath Martis’ sadistic behaviour, when he was captured on video, slapping one of his student rugby kids violently.
This was after the kid was called off the playing field for an infringement he had committed during a friendly encounter that was played between his school St. Peter’s and D.S. Senanayake College.
The video footage was captured by a spectator who had come to the venue to witness the game.
Whilst venting their frustration on social media, scores of several angry mothers also charged that the assaulter and Coach Martis be reprimanded for his actions and banned from coaching children in the future.
A lady named Tina Edward Gunawardhana, whose Facebook profile claims her to be a media personality wrote, “If it was my child that man will be wearing his gonads as ear rings”.
Meanwhile whilst World Rugby commenced its investigation into the incident, St. Peter’s College continues to expose its school rugby kids in its quest of chasing silverware and more so glory, during this rugby season.
This is whilst continuing to leave its own kids exposed at the mercy of its now widely witnessed child assaulter and Coach Sanath Martis.
A reliable source from within the Peterite Rugby Foundation speaking on condition of anonymity said “The Peterite School authorities have already obtained a signed letter from the parents of the assaulted rugby kid stating that they will not be pressing charges against the coach and school. This is the school’s way of protecting themselves and the coach from any legal prosecution. The student victim and his brother were poached by St. Peter’s from a lesser known school. The parents wanting the best for their kids would do anything the school and Coach Sanath Martis would want them to do. This is pure intimidation and tactics used by our Father Rector to cover this incident up and hide his own sins under his pure white cassock. However the stain of that sin will still remain across the student rugby victim’s face if no appropriate action is taken.”
Strangely till to date the current Yahapalanaya led Minister of Education Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, has continued to remain mute despite this incident wildly hitting Sri Lanka and global audiences.
Meanwhile an Educational expert who had seen the video footage and read through most of the comments on social media speaking to Colombo Telegraph on condition of anonymity confirmed that this incident has been brought to the attention of the National Child Protection Authority in Sri Lanka.
He also went onto say “I have nothing but pure condemnation for this sadistic act committed by this so-called Coach Sanath Martis on this boy.” (By Janaka Ranaweera)
Prasad / February 21, 2019
This reminds me our dear old Kataya at Roysl one time.The way he used to hit kids was sadistic.His sexual frustrations of not being able to marry his love of life due to interference of his mother Probably would have led to his pathological anger.We were dead scared of him and some may hail him for the discipline he maintained st Royal.But at the same time I must say he robbed our childhood through his fear psychosis .This chap is also psychopathic and when he doesn’t know how to logically reason out an error he uses high hand tactics to intimidate vulnerable youngsters.Parents of entire rugby team should stand against this .This guys balls should be twisted if he tries same tricks again.Mad fellows.
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Amarasiri / February 21, 2019
Sanath Martin,
Please protest about the Double Standards.
You ‘discipline ‘ one player, not by killing the player, they make big hue.
The Rajapaksa discipline one player by killing him, and the World Rugby guys are silent.
Double Standards?
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Sinhala_Man / February 21, 2019
Dear Amarasiri,
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I agree. It is of the utmost importance that every breach of codes of conduct must be properly investigated and dealt with. Make no mistake, that includes this incident.
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However, having drawn the attention of the entire country to this happening in a school, shouldn’t we have a system where we know that it will be dealt with, and then people like us, who have nothing to do with the school, ought to get on with our lives?
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There have been horrendous murders which have not been investigated. Let those be our main focus. As you say, Amarasiri, one of them had to do with rugby players. Something should be done about that. Let Wold Rugby show some concern about such things as well.
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As for this incident, all the evidence is there. Please get it over and done with.
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Babansincho / February 21, 2019
Dear Mr Amarasiri,
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You are spot on !.
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Here they are mostly excited seeking the punishment for a coach who just slapped on the ears of his student.
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As EVERYONE is clear Thadjudeen’s murder became a murder after 2015.
Until then it was kept away from the public naming it as an accident that occure in the lanken at midnights. However, it became clear it was a premedidated murder, carried out by Rajakashe family with the use of vehicles taken from the pool of Shrianthi Rajaakshe. Latter was known as gold business queen with speculations there the vicious woman to have run such businesses with colombo business men. Never in the history, a president’s wife earned such low level records, but she did.
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Ironically, not a single web site seems to give a damn to question as to why THADJUDEEN case is put off ?
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Please study if any WEBSITE would have the gut to report the updates of Thadjudeen case, and what went wrong not to INTERORGATE Mahinda Rajapakshes Wife ?
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If SIRISENA as Incumbent President is the biggest HURDLE, Why on earth NOT EVEN SOCIAL MEDIA have bravery to stand against him?
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I have no doubt, from what I read sofar, EVEN SOCIAL Media holders are highly influenced by underground networks being run by Rajapakshe men.
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Native Vedda / February 21, 2019
Amarasiri
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Sirisena must be looking for official hangman.
Any suggestions any names?
Gota is too busy promoting himself as an intellectual the country never had. He is not available.
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Amarasiri / February 21, 2019
Native Veddah,
Since Gota who wanted to hang Sarah Fonseka is busy, Sirisena should ask Gota’s nephew, Yoshita Rajapaksa, as he had some experience in killing rugger player Thagudeen.
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Amarasiri / February 21, 2019
Latest News,
Marty is sacked, he deserves it, but the killers of Thagudeen, the rugby player are at large.
Sri Lanka, a Land like no other!
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Deperatethoughts / February 21, 2019
I think it is becoming too much.
Is this coach the only teacher to abuse the students this way ? That is just the culture in this god punished country. Last night I heard COPE president Handunetti saying, that people would also elect the one who threw MIRISKUDU to the police on that day, since, they are confused of not knowing the basics.
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As is heard everywhere, Chandias lead the society. They please big statements, regardless of a set of courts case waiting to convict them. Muscle is kept above than the brain in lanken society today.
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Be it in schools, hospitals or any other institutes, not the meritocracy but most mediocrity are given the due place. Be on cyber exchanges or anywhere else, sometimes, being in the temple premises, they use the uncouth langauge and rascal behaviour to stand out. Just talk to teachers in rural corners, and get what they have to say about beating with canes and slapping on the students as a step of controlling them., they woul dnot disagree with you. That is part and parcel of ill-trained teachers. They have never heard about paedagogy. Teaching is just an another occupation them to survive. If teahers would do their job properly, things would not end up the way it is in today s society right ?.
Over 90% among the teachers and parents will share you, nothing wrong to punish them physically, otherwise, they would not learn to respect eleders according to them.
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If you would interview a cross section of MONKS that are given an unncessary higher place in lanken soceity – they woul dnot disagree with punishing the students with canes (weewala). I have heard Sangaramaya Galle (night school for English learners), a most known place to learn English, the head monk ran the night school had been like a wild animal, had been caning any students that would not obey to him. They had learnt English not because they wanted to, but due to fear of punishements.
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Amila W / February 21, 2019
Why investigation when there is a clear video showing the crime he does? Sack and put behind bars this ugly duck looking creature.
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Analyst / February 21, 2019
Excellent news !!!
World Rugby confirms that Sanath Martis is being investigated. High time too.
This comes under the category of child abuse and human rights violation.
They were right in taking action immediately unlike the UN and the UNHCR who are still back footing even after ten years of Human rights violations, war without witness, and war crimes against humanity accusations .
Why?? Was it to do with super rich countries were involved in the Annihilation of Tamil Race? Or was it to do with Arms Sale involving war mongering nations??
10 years have passed since the ending of the war, why the UN is still pussy footing??
Murder of the Rugby player in Srilanka has nothing to do with world Rugby!!
It was the Blue Murder of a Young man acted upon by the orders of a powerful family due to lust , jealousy , greed and anger.
The case is still pending , no closure for the family yet.
This is to do with Srilankan LOW AND ORDER, as there’s no proper Law and order exists.
Powerful criminals do either ” Walk the Talk” or sent to prison , then they come out next day through the Prison hospital doors grinning with shame.
What a disgrace to Judiciary. Money and power can buy anything in SL .
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JD / February 21, 2019
Where is the International, Local NGOs and the govt Human right businesses and employees screaming about human rights. IS this guy a sinhala buddhist who needs to be incarcerated ?
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M.Paranthaman / February 21, 2019
Even the parents do not hit and harm their children. This fellow hitting a child so badly, it’s a big crime. He must be punished.
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Native Vedda / February 21, 2019
M.Paranthaman
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“Even the parents do not hit and harm their children.”
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Sri Lanka is the last country which respect human dignity.
Hurting other people verbally or physically comes naturally to persons in authority, thugs, physically strong, ………….. parents, …………
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Chitra / February 21, 2019
This man seems to have a temper. I hope he does not beat his wife and children when his food is delayed.
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Amarasiri / February 21, 2019
Chitra,
He most likely hits his wife and children, and extends that coutsey in the field. The difference between him and the Rajapaksa’s seems to be that he does not kill players.
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Simon De Silva / February 21, 2019
Is this not the behaviour of average families of rotten island ?.
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Would you confess how many time you ve been beaten by your husband please ?
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I think majority of lankens are uncivilized. Basta. They are all either corrupted or corruption supporters/promoters. Please get your facts by visiting YT video comments being posted underneath of each video.
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Native Vedda / February 21, 2019
Chitra
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This coward seems to take out his frustration on young hapless children. The wife may be much stronger or laughs at his punchi willi on a regular basis.
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JD / February 21, 2019
This is the NGO-Judicial system in Sri lanka. Cotach had beaten this kid. School and the parents say that is OK. If a bhikku scolded a woman he would be in the jail for six years. I think the Kid was obeying what Jesus said.
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rbh / February 21, 2019
The medical report of the rugby kid should read the ear drum is normal due to the vigorous slaps and an on call slap even if the authorities has obtain a letter from the victim parents saying no charges are taken against the school. If the school is correct why obtain a letter. Control student through counseling as first warning Physical means to discipline students corporal punishment is not condoned for student.
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Sanipa / February 21, 2019
Is the behavior of the player of doing something not in the game : a result of his learning from the coach who uses aggression . If you say he is a successful coach the chance is that others minioins will emulate him and is a bigger danger.
He is a WR educator which is that he teaches and licenses other coaches . Would they be reproductions the psycho behavior.
Peter’s college has to look at the larger responsibility to society. When the pope is admonishing bishops too why is Fr. Tin tin shielding the slapper . Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith should look at this or the papal from Rome should.
Don’t get screwed while getting laid is what Peter’s have to think about.
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Real Revolutionist / February 21, 2019
Forget world rugby
We, the Sri Lankans want to see how this inhumane person is punished & rehabilitated.
If no action is seen from the country, who are his protectors?
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Native Vedda / February 21, 2019
Real Revolutionist
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“We, the Sri Lankans want to see how this inhumane person is punished & rehabilitated.”
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Well if that is the case you should start the cleaning up right from the top of the hierarchy, President, Prime Minister, Ministers, Armed Forces, State functionaries, .. party members, party functionaries, ………………
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Those perpetrated immense level of violence in this country over 40 years are still alive and serving. One particular family members are desperate to capture total power from people.
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Who are their protectors?
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Peterite Rugby Fan / February 21, 2019
To all keyboard hero’s – Peterites will solve there own matters, the Peterite way. Did the kid need to be disciplined, YES, was the coach correct in what he did, NO, but there are many hidden agendas at work spilling crocodile tears on this. People who did not have the privilege of studying at St. Peter’s, pick another bone !!!
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rbh / February 21, 2019
Mr. Peterite Rugby Fan
Why are these kind of attitude coming from Peterite coach no one will admit there children if they knows these things will happen in preterite have all who studied in peterite are in universities.
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sanipa / February 21, 2019
There is a greater dimension to this issue than the narrow view of Peterite solving their own issues .
He is a world rugby educator. Thta is the bigger angle as he influences others. Also minions will follow him as Peter’s success and it. Coach is there benchmark.
Look at the damage to the Society at Large.
If your thinking is the result of having the priviledge of being at Peters then I am thankful I did not go there .m
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rbh / February 21, 2019
Peterite Rugby Fan
All in world did not study in peterites but the announce that World Rugby shell shocked.
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Native Vedda / February 21, 2019
Peterite Rugby Fan
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This is all about exposing child cruelty.
Child cruelty is a national problem and should be dealt with nationally.
I suggest you shove or pass your rugby ball wherever you deem appropriate.
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Rarityminds / February 21, 2019
Peterite,
this is where you went wrong. Swollen as no other. You guys have not the least knowledge about selelction criteria of a decent rugby coach.
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Navin / February 22, 2019
Are you the thug coach’s mother? If the kid need discipline, only coaches who are bullies use physical abuse, when there are other methods like time off, or suspending him from playing for a while.
No one is shedding crocodile tears, but the “privileged” St.Peter’s seem unable to handle their problems. Disappointing.
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chiv / February 21, 2019
St.Peter College has so much of positives to talk about than this unfortunate incident. This statement is in general to all whom are concerned in a child / adolescent,s life.Disciplining is a mandatory not optional. But there is a way and a purpose for it. What this APE did is an assault and crime. The usual excuses given are nothing bur denial and ignorance. My father did it so it is ok for me ?? Men are men, boys are boys, ?? This is the way it is done?? it works??? this is Lankawe style?? My father did it so I will do it??? Please stop giving these bullshit excuses.Listen People, we have moved on , not living in stone ages. With the coming generations your bull shit will not take you any where. Change your selves or else good luck. I remember there was a bloody gang fight within the SP compound which the neighboring public is aware. How can you blame the students when models like you , are exhibiting such violent behaviors?????
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chiv / February 21, 2019
One more thing this kind of disciplining is what GR is talking about, but it will be of his own style. If this is an assault , his will be disappearance.
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Native Vedda / February 21, 2019
chiv
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In recent days Dr Gota projects himself as a public intellectual? His supporters believe he is not only a public intellectual but at par with Professors Gananath Obeyesekere, H L Seneviratne, Amartya Sen, Noam Chomsky, Noboru Karashima, G H Hardy, ……………. thinking man’s soldier, Sri Lankan equivalent of Generals Vo Nguyen Giap, Douglas MacArthur, Kodandera Subayya Thimayya, ……………………..
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What do you say to that sweeping claim?
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His supporters, Dayan, Kasmaalam, Lal, somass, Eagle Blind Eye, wannihami, Ranjith(SPRRW) the sorcerer, The Retarded, …………………..
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K.Pillai / February 21, 2019
It is the media freedom to report which first publicized the issue. The coach has learned a lesson here.
But there are some conservative old-timers who think that ‘the Guru and Clergy do no wrong’.
They must wake up.
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There was this incident when a rugby player floored a referee with a single blow.
The then media did not discuss the incident, the referee and witnesses simply went into the syndrome “I cannot remember”.
Did the Free-media make a difference?.
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shame / February 22, 2019
What is more important in this issue is the bane of school rugby in the form of old boys who gang together as advisory committeee and want a win at all,cost .
The physical abuse is just one . How about the psychological trauma . What did Mart as well as the Cuban do to players . It is a fear psychosis . When you miss tackle or drop a pass you must see the angry image of the coach ready to punish. That was how they trained , Many othe s follow. .The old boys sang hurrah.
Boys practice for as much 4 to 6 hours on overload ,They are physically exhausted.
The education ministry must make an immediate stop to this tournament,. At least stop under 16 and below .
CT should investigate and ask people on the practice plans and fear psychosis as a tool to win l The mother’s who are Fxxxed to secure a place in the team.
The revelations of poaching and the sick drive is as dangerous while Martis is only the tip of the iceberg
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chiv / February 22, 2019
Native, What can I say. As I mentioned elsewhere for a person who never completed school a 10 th grader like GR will appear as Einstein. For a Pseudo another pseudo will look very genuine. In a GDP of $100 Billion our Lankan Airlines debt servicing alone is more than a $Billion. Our economic doctorate (buffet) MR thought it was not adequate and added Mihin and an empty airport to the debt. Now he is going around giving lectures to his followers, How to bring $ value /Crude oil price down?????? After signing the Geneva mandate now our Law expert GLP says when they come to power he will weaken the mandate??? But GR seems to have Mystical abilities to make people disappear who allegedly reappear in other countries (according to followers). I hear in Lanka Rajapaksas are the only family where every member has the ability, of becoming a President.(MR,GR,BR, Shiranthi,Namal and that puppy which traveled alone from Paris). We also witnessed the prodigy MS, showing us how two PM and two governments can administer the country for almost 2 months (also showed how a country can function without government???) Is it a surprise to have many such followers?????
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Chris Kay / February 23, 2019
He is damned lucky to be walking the streets. Had it been my son that was hit in public, god forbid, by now this guy would have been confined to a wheel chair.
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Chris Kay / February 23, 2019
He is damned lucky to be walking the streets. Had it been my son that was hit in public, god forbid, by now this guy would have been confined to a wheel chair – ammapar.
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Rugby Follower / February 25, 2019
I wonder how many performance enhancement tablets/capsules were given by Sanath Martis to the boys he was coaching at St Peters between 2005-2010 during matches.
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