Sri Lanka’s IOC membership in jeopardy if warnings are ignored
In response to the persistent inaction from various government agency officials, including those within the Auditor General’s Department, former Ministers of Sports and Ministry of Sports officials, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have taken decisive action by ordering the immediate suspension of Maxwell De Silva, Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL).
These orders were issued after Secretary General Maxwell De Silva and a group of selected Executive Committee Members refused to acknowledge the NOCSL Ethics Committee’s report, which recommended De Silva’s suspension. The suspension order is based on findings from the Ethics Committee, which uncovered instances of financial misappropriation and allegations of human smuggling, as revealed by a three-member committee appointed by the Ministry of Sports earlier this year.
It is perplexing how NOCSL Secretary General Maxwell De Silva continues to exert his influence and hold onto power. While prominent figures, such as the now-convicted Kuwaiti Prime Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah, stepped aside to allow investigations to proceed, De Silva appears determined to cling to his position at all costs. Sheikh Ahmad, despite his past leadership roles as president of both the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committees, was banned from the International Olympic Committee for 15 years following his conviction for ethics violations. In stark contrast, De Silva’s refusal to relinquish his role has sparked serious concerns. Critics warn that his continued presence after suspension could set a dangerous precedent, with fears that he might attempt to sabotage crucial information within NOCSL or obstruct the ongoing investigation into his actions.
IOC and OCA Ethics Committee Warnings
In a communication addressed to Mr. Surendran Subramaniam, President of NOCSL, Jérôme Poivey, Associate Director of the IOC’s Institutional and Governance Services, expressed disappointment at the ongoing governance issues. He emphasized the urgent need for the NOCSL Executive Board to convene and address the Ethics Committee’s findings.
Poivey’s letter went on to state “This communication stresses the importance of adhering to NOCSL’s Constitution, principles of good governance, and the Olympic Charter, warning that the IOC might take further action if these recommendations continue to be ignored.”
The letter highlighted the damage done to NOCSL’s reputation and operations and demanded swift and transparent action.
Additionally, Debendranath Sarangi, Chairman of the OCA Ethics Committee, reiterated the need for an emergency meeting to resolve the matter.
“Both the IOC and OCA remain firm in their expectations for the NOCSL Executive Board to act responsibly and without delay to safeguard the integrity of the organization.” Sarangi’s letter went on to state.
These warnings are not just directed at the NOCSL but serve as a serious alert to the entire sporting community of Sri Lanka, which falls under the jurisdiction of the current Prime Minister, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. It is crucial for these warnings to be taken seriously, as the IOC has shown in the past, most recently with Russia, that it will not hesitate to suspend a country’s membership. The situation is critical, and it is expected that the Ministry of Sports may need to step in and take decisive action to protect the integrity of sports in the nation.
If Sri Lanka fails to act promptly and appropriately, it risks setting a damaging precedent that will not sit well with the IOC and OCA. Such inaction would send a troubling message to other National Olympic Committees and international sports associations, suggesting that the findings and recommendations of Ethics Committee reports can be dismissed, challenged, or ignored without consequence.
Prime Minister and Sports Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya Urged to Act Quickly to Protect Sri Lanka’s IOC Membership
Details of Sec.Gen Maxwell De Silva’s two cases highlighted in the report
The two daring cases besides several other ongoing investigations being carried out regarding the Sec.Genreal Maxwell De Silva by the Fraud Bureau, the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) attached to the Ministry of Sports, the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery and Corruption for allegations of fraud, corruption, human smuggling were regarding financial misconduct involving De Silva and former NOCSL President Hemasiri Fernando, specifically related to the 2016 Rio Olympics and allegations of human smuggling.
The first scandal involving Maxwell De Silva revolves around the 2016 Rio Olympics. De Silva secured an advance payment of $10,000 from the Ministry of Sports, with a promise to repay it after receiving a grant from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for travel and accommodation expenses. Although he did receive the IOC grant, De Silva neglected to repay the advance until an audit 18 months later forced his hand. Additionally, while self-appointing himself as Chef de Mission, he flew his wife and daughter to Rio and stayed in a luxury hotel far from the athletes’ village, accruing costs of $500 per night. He then claimed Rs 2,731,818.62 from the NOCSL for the same expenses, a practice flagged by the Auditor General but still left unaddressed.
The second scandal was uncovered during the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. De Silva authorized six individuals to travel without the Ministry of Sports’ approval where four individuals returned and two disappeared, which contributed to the overall 12 attendees disappearing in total out of 176 athletes and officials. These entries were fraudulently added by Sec.General De Silva to the event’s registration system without Executive Committee consent, which raised serious concerns regarding abuse of authority within the NOCSL.
How did Secretary General Maxwell get away all this time?
Despite facing numerous allegations over the years, Secretary General Maxwell De Silva has managed to avoid accountability and delay legal proceedings, often securing extensions to stall investigations. Accusations against him range from fraud and manipulation to human smuggling, with reports suggesting that he has bribed officials with extravagant perks, including luxury hampers and foreign trips, to evade justice. Alarmingly, even high-ranking officials in government-appointed roles are believed to have accepted these perks, casting serious doubts on the impartiality of the investigative bodies. Many of these officials are accused of fixing outcomes to favor De Silva, undermining the integrity of the processes intended to ensure accountability.
In stark contrast, other officials like Major General (Rtd) Dampath Fernando, former President of the Handball Federation, and Gihan Dalpathado were swiftly banned by the Ministry of Sports for failing to submit financial reports to the Auditor General on time. Meanwhile, De Silva has seemingly enjoyed protection, managing to escape similar scrutiny and charges for years.
Shirantha Peiris – Claimed US$ 10,000 to refurbish shooting range at his residence
Suranjith Premadasa – Claimed US$ 10,000 to upgrade his own riding school
Niluka Karunaratne – Claimed US$ 10,000 on the pretext of conducting English classes for Olympic Athletes
Network of Corrupt NOCSL Officials Backing Secretary General Maxwell
De Silva’s influence within the NOCSL reportedly extends to a network of individuals involved in fraudulent and corrupt activities. Serious allegations point to the misuse of sports development funds: $10,000 designated for shooting facility upgrades was allegedly used by National Shooting Sports Federation President Shirantha Peiris to enhance a shooting range at his own residence. Similarly, another $10,000 meant for equestrian improvements was directed by Equestrian Federation President Suranjith Premdasa to benefit his private riding school. Former Olympic badminton player Niluka Karunaratne, serving as Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission, is accused of securing $10,000 under the guise of providing English lessons for Olympic-bound athletes but instead using it for personal expenses. Additionally, Media Manager Gobinath Sivarajah, who has been implicated in a forgery and fraud case, was arrested at the airport, further intensifying concerns about financial misconduct within the organization.
Alongside De Silva, Assistant Secretary Chandana Liyanage, Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe, and Nishantha Piyasena are reported to have made frequent international trips to events such as the Olympic Games in Rio, Beijing, London, Tokyo, and Paris, as well as the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and the Youth Commonwealth Games in Trinidad. Despite all expenses for these events being covered by the organization, they collectively pocketed millions in per diem allowances ver the years. Others, like Sarath Hewawithana, traveled to Paris as a guest, while Sampath Alahakoon enjoyed a “joy ride” to the Asian Games in Hangzhou. Besides, Vice President Kanchana Jayaratne, husband of former Cabinet Minister Pavithra Jayaratne, who stands firmly backing De Silva at every turn was embroiled not too long ago in a separate scandal involving COVID-19 vaccines.
Despite these blatant violations occurring over an extended period, Finance Chairman Joe Kenny, supported by President Subramaniam, made repeated efforts to enforce accountability. However, each time financial irregularities and illegal claims surfaced, with many individuals submitting bogus receipts, these efforts were met with fierce resistance. This persistent pushback highlights the deep-rooted financial mismanagement that has severely hindered the development of sports in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Faces National Crisis
This situation transcends mere organizational mismanagement; it has become a national issue that endangers the future of sports in Sri Lanka. The country cannot afford to risk its reputation and face suspension from the IOC and OCA because of one individual marred by years of fraud and corruption.
Immediate, decisive action is necessary to uphold the integrity of the nation’s sports and restore trust in Sri Lanka’s governance of Sports.
