Imminent Suspension Looms as Sri Lanka’s Olympic Future in Jeopardy
The entire sporting fraternity, including 32 Olympic sports associations, was left stunned when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) dealt a crippling blow to the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL). Just days ago, the IOC and OCA suspended all funding to the NOCSL with immediate effect. This action was prompted by the organization’s failure to implement its Ethics Committee’s recommendations, which unequivocally called for the suspension of Secretary General Maxwell De Silva. These recommendations arose from an independent inquiry launched following allegations raised in Parliament, resulting in a damning report that the NOCSL could not dispute, which implicated De Silva in fraud, corruption, and human smuggling.
Despite these findings, De Silva, supported by several other tainted NOCSL Executive Committee members, has not only defied the Ethics Committee’s order but has also sought to strengthen his hold on power. Instead of complying with the recommendations, this group convened a Special General Meeting (SGM) on December 13, 2024, where they leveraged their majority to schedule an early Annual General Meeting (AGM) and elections in March 2025, far ahead of the scheduled December 2025 date. Critics argue that this is a calculated ploy to cut short NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam’s two consecutive four-year terms, set to end in December 2025. By fast-tracking the process, they aim to appoint a corrupt individual who would facilitate their continued illegal activities, suppress ongoing investigations, consolidate their power, and dismiss the serious allegations leveled against them.
The NPP Mole Behind the Chaos
Investigations have revealed a shocking connection: a mole within the National People’s Power (NPP) government is actively protecting Maxwell De Silva and orchestrating this power play. The mole is none other than Shirantha Peries, the current President of the National Shooting Sports Federation (NSSF) and NPP appointed Chairman of the Lotus Tower. Peries, a controversial figure, has a long history of allegations against him, including importing and selling weapons and ammunition in a private capacity, financial fraud, and abuse of power within the NSSF.
The Ministry of Defense had previously ordered an inquiry into these allegations in 2018, implicating not only Peries but also the then-NSSF President and current Director General of Sports Development, Dr. Shemal Fernando. Shockingly, this investigation was buried, allowing Peries to continue his activities unchecked. Now even further allegations against Shirantha Peries the President NSSF has resurfaced with many who served in his committees have come forward with documentary evidence to stake their claims.
Despite these controversies, Peries aligned himself with the NPP during its election campaigns, publicly criticizing the previous government and accusing officials of blocking foreign investment. His loyalty was rewarded with his appointment as Chairman of the Lotus Tower, a decision now seen as a major embarrassment for the NPP government.
The Bigger Picture: Corruption at the Core
Peries has allegedly been instrumental in propping up Maxwell De Silva, securing support from other corrupt NOCSL officials, and obstructing crucial reforms. Under De Silva’s tenure as Secretary General, the Olympic Solidarity Fund has reportedly been misused, with funds funneled as personal rewards to loyalists like Peries for questionable projects, such as upgrading his privately-owned shooting range. Strangely, these funds, which should have been overseen by the Finance Committee chaired by Joseph Kenny, were instead directly controlled by De Silva. Reports suggest he distributed these funds not only to associates willing to back him but also to individuals with personal ties, including women close to him. Despite calls for transparency, including a forensic audit agreed upon and minuted at the 2021 AGM, the audit remains unfulfilled, fueling suspicions that these officials are hiding decades of financial mismanagement and corruption.
Even the NOCSL’s website has been misused, with unauthorized press releases misleading the public by portraying these governance issues as mere internal disputes, promising resolution through the upcoming elections. Critics, however, argue that the real issue lies with De Silva’s refusal to step down, which remains the primary obstacle to resolving the crisis.
The Government’s Silence and the Risk of Suspension
Many are questioning why the current NPP-led government, despite its pre-election promises of transparency and good governance, has remained silent on this matter. The newly appointed Minister of Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, has yet to intervene decisively, raising concerns about whether political alliances are shielding these corrupt officials.
The stakes are high: failure to implement the IOC and OCA recommendations could lead to the NOCSL’s complete suspension. Such a suspension would cripple Sri Lanka’s participation in international events, affecting approximately a million athletes across 32 sports associations.
A Call to Action
The Anti-Corruption Act No. 9 of 2023 provides a legal framework to hold public officials accountable for actions that cause wrongful losses or confer unlawful benefits. Under this law, those aiding and abetting corruption can face imprisonment and heavy fines. The government must act swiftly to enforce these provisions, suspend the corrupt officials, and restore integrity to the NOCSL.
The current push for an early AGM and election is merely a ploy to protect Maxwell De Silva and his cohorts. The real solution lies in removing De Silva and implementing the Ethics Committee’s recommendations without delay. Failure to do so will not only tarnish Sri Lanka’s sporting reputation but also jeopardize its future in international sports. The time for decisive action is now, before Sri Lanka’s Olympic dream is permanently derailed.
