Commit Multiple Violations in State of Panic
In a historic move, Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage suspended Maxwell De Silva, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), marking the first time in the organization’s history that such action had been taken.
This landmark decision underscores Minister Gamage’s commitment to rooting out corruption in the sports sector, aligning with the National People’s Power (NPP) government’s ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ campaign.
However, the corruption and violations of sports laws extend beyond De Silva. Several NOCSL Executive Committee members who aided and abetted his prolonged tenure despite orders for his suspension from the Ethics Committee, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) remain equally culpable.
Allegations of Manipulation and Violations of Protocol
Fearing their inability to loot further due to the suspension of De Silva, key NOCSL officials are now fighting for their own survival, including Vice Presidents Kanchana Jayaratne and Suranjith Premadasa, Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe, Assistant Secretary Chanda Liyanage, and Assistant Treasurer Shirantha Peries, who have reportedly rallied other sports association officials to sign a letter addressed to IOC President Thomas Bach and OCA President Raja Randhir Singh.
This letter dated the 11th January 2024 and even though dispatched, bypasses all protocols, undermines the governance principles outlined by both the IOC and the Sri Lankan Ministry of Sports.
Unlike Minister Gamage, who followed due process by notifying James McLeod, the IOC’s Director of NOC Relations, the group directly reached out to top IOC top officials, disregarding established procedures. Their letter, titled “Current Situation of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka – Request for Assistance in Resolving Internal Disputes”, calls for IOC intervention under the guise of protecting the NOCSL’s autonomy. This co-lateral decision taken by some of these crooked officials representing several National Federations may eventually lead Sri Lanka into further turmoil.
Content of the Letter
The letter outlined three key points:
- Suspension of the Secretary General: It criticized the Ministry of Sports for suspending Maxwell De Silva, raising concerns about the process and the stance of the IOC and OCA.
- Protection of Autonomy: The letter emphasized the importance of preventing external interference in NOCSL governance, invoking the IOC’s prior communications on autonomy.
- Proposed Roadmap: A roadmap was proposed to resolve disputes through democratic elections, claiming support from a two-thirds majority of NOCSL members.
The letter concluded by requesting the IOC to assess the roadmap, facilitate discussions with stakeholders, and ensure free and fair elections for new office bearers.
Questionable Legitimacy of Signatories
The legitimacy of the letter raises serious concerns. Did the signatories consult their respective sports associations first before endorsing the letter? If not, their actions not only violate the autonomy of their own sport associations but also jeopardizes them for aiding and abetting the suspended Secretary General.
While the letter claims to protect the NOCSL’s independence, it contradicts the Olympic Charter’s fundamental principles of transparency, accountability, and good governance. A two-thirds majority cannot justify supporting violations of these principles, and action must be taken against those who protected De Silva’s corrupt practices.
Furthermore, any changes to the NOCSL election schedule, currently slated later for December 2025, would require amending the NOCSL constitution, which specifies two terms of four years. Without such an amendment, it is impossible to move the election date solely to appease a few disgruntled Executive Committee members who are unhappy with the current process.
Legal and Ethical Consequences
Under the Sri Lanka Anti-Corruption Act of 2023, those who aid, abet, and protect corrupt officials can face legal consequences. It is imperative to address these violations before holding elections, as failing to do so would set a dangerous precedent and undermine the governance standards of the Olympic Movement.
De Silva’s Tarnished Standing
Maxwell De Silva, now deemed persona non grata by both the IOC and OCA, was immediately removed from all official functions following the Ethics Committee’s suspension order. His fraudulent activities, including falsely claiming to represent the Winter Sports Association at an Emergency General Meeting held on 13th December 2024 organized by his allies, have further tarnished his reputation. It is believed that NOCSL office staff Kaushalya De Silva and Nipuni were involved in doctoring the said EGM attendance documents in support of De Silva.
This fraudulent act was exposed and confirmed by Deva Henry, a senior official of the NOCSL’s Executive Committee, adding another layer to De Silva’s mounting troubles.
Minister Gamage’s Leadership and the Path Forward
Minister Gamage’s bold and decisive action has earned widespread praise from both the Sri Lankan media and the public alike as a crucial step toward reforming the country’s sports administration. By suspending De Silva and holding corrupt officials accountable, the Minister is establishing a strong precedent for good governance in Sri Lankan sports.
This suspension marks the beginning of a long-overdue cleanup of the NOCSL and its leadership. As investigations proceed and legal mechanisms are enforced, there is hope that justice will prevail, ensuring a brighter, more transparent future for Sri Lankan sports. As for now, Bravo Minister Gamage!
