More Resignations to follow as Forensic Audit is Bound to Expose Years of Fraud & Corruption
Amidst growing allegations of financial misconduct and governance failures within the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe and Vice President Suranjith Premadasa have officially resigned.
Their departures signal the beginning of an exodus, as corrupt officials scramble to step down ahead of a Forensic Financial Audit fully funded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which is expected to expose years of fraud and financial irregularities within the organization.
The resignations also come at a time when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have been pressuring the NOCSL to enforce governance reforms following multiple red flags raised in their communications earlier. These concerns stem from poor financial management, lack of accountability, and the urgent need for structural changes to ensure compliance with international Olympic standards.
Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage’s suspension of NOCSL Secretary General Maxwell de Silva has triggered a domino effect, leading to the resignations of his close accomplices in Vice President Suranjith Premadasa and Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe. With the floodgates now open, many more resignations are expected to follow as pressure mounts within the NOCSL.
Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe’s Resignation Letter
In his resignation letter, Gamini Jayasinghe cited personal reasons for stepping down, expressing gratitude for his time with the NOCSL:
“Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation as Treasurer of NOCSL.
Being part of the Olympic family for many years, I have always enjoyed my work and was genuinely committed to the responsibilities entrusted to me with passion, dedication, and commitment.
My role was purely voluntary, and at times, I made significant personal and professional sacrifices. I am grateful for the exposure and opportunities provided to represent Sri Lanka at numerous international events and programs. Now, I feel it is time to move on to the next chapter of my life.
I wish the NOCSL continued success in all future endeavors.”
Vice President Suranjith Premadasa’s Resignation Letter
Suranjith Premadasa, who also served as Chairman of various subcommittees within the NOCSL, cited deteriorating health as the primary reason for stepping down:
“I am writing to formally resign from my position as Vice President of the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee, effective immediately.
It has been my pleasure to be a part of the Executive Committee for the past few years. However, due to deteriorating health concerns, I am compelled to step down from my current position.
I extend my sincere appreciation to the executive committee, staff, and all members for their support and collaboration throughout my tenure.
I remain committed to the advancement of Sri Lankan sports and hope to contribute in other capacities in the future. Please let me know how I can assist in ensuring a smooth transition.”
What’s Next?
The future of Sri Lanka’s participation in international sports remains uncertain unless the NOCSL takes immediate steps to comply with IOC governance standards. The forensic audit is expected to reveal further financial misconduct, which could result in sanctions or even Sri Lanka’s suspension from the Olympic movement if corrective action is not taken.
With Sri Lanka’s participation in major sporting events such as the South Asian Games (SAG), Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and Olympic Games hanging in the balance, urgent reforms are imperative. The IOC needs to be assured that the NOCSL acts swiftly to ensure that crooks are removed, international compliance is upheld, for funding to be restored for athlete development.
Ministry of Sports’ has a responsibility too
The Ministry of Sports also has a significant responsibility to address numerous pending complaints that have surfaced over the years, ranging from fraud and corruption to violations of national sports laws. A thorough and uncompromised investigation could force several corrupt officials into hiding, as the extent of their misconduct is brought to light.
However, history has shown that many investigations were either initiated and later abandoned or deliberately prolonged by corrupt government officials tasked with overseeing them. These individuals, rather than upholding justice, have been bribed, influenced, or conveniently ‘looked after’ to stall and delay inquiries. Meanwhile, a revolving door of Sports Ministers has come and gone, treating the ministry like a saloon entrance—walking in with grand promises and exiting without delivering justice.
For now, the IOC’s funding freeze remains in effect, putting Sri Lanka’s sporting future in jeopardy unless urgent reforms are implemented.
