A web of deception, stalled investigations, and political protection now threatens to engulf Sri Lanka’s Olympic leadership as fresh evidence directly contradicts public claims made by a key presidential contender.
Image Cleanup Campaign Ahead of Elections
As the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) approaches its Annual General Meeting and crucial elections, a calculated campaign appears to be underway to sanitize the image of its incumbent Vice President, Shirantha Peries, who has openly declared his intention to contest for the presidency. Sections of the mainstream print media have actively amplified this narrative, portraying him as a figure free of controversy.
But that narrative has now been shattered.
False Claims Amplified by Mainstream Media
One prominent media outlet went as far as falsely quoting Peries, claiming he was not under investigation by any state institution and that no inquiry existed regarding allegations tied to the importation of weapons and ammunition during his tenure at the National Shooting Sports Federation of Sri Lanka (NSSF). The report even quoted him asserting that he faced no scrutiny whatsoever.
That claim is demonstrably false.
Defense Ministry Letter Contradicts Public Statements
The Morning Telegraph is in possession of documentary evidence that directly contradicts Peries’ public statements, including a letter issued by the Ministry of Defense in August 2017. This document confirms that an official inquiry had indeed been ordered, with the Ministry of Sports tasked to investigate allegations linked to the importation process.
Allegations of Under-Invoicing and Financial Misconduct
The allegations themselves are deeply troubling. They include under-invoicing to evade full customs duties, payments made to an Australian supplier who was not officially registered, and the transfer of additional funds through undisclosed channels to cover the under-invoiced amount. These actions point toward potential financial misconduct, including possible money laundering.
More damning is Peries’ own recorded admission. In audio evidence now in the possession of The Morning Telegraph, he acknowledges that the under-invoicing was intentional, claiming it was done to pass financial benefits on to shooters.
Invoices submitted by Shirantha Peries for payment of imported weapons and ammunition
Continued Role Despite Serious Allegations
Yet despite these serious allegations, Peries continues to function as Vice President of the NOCSL.
IOC and OCA Governance Directive Ignored
This raises an even more alarming question. How is he still in office when the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has clearly instructed that any official under investigation or sanction must refrain from participating in the NOCSL General Assembly or contesting elections?
In a letter dated January 12, 2026, signed by IOC Director of NOC Relations James Macleod and Olympic Council of Asia Director General Hussain Al Musallam, the directive explicitly emphasizes adherence to good governance and ethical standards within the Olympic Movement.
The NOCSL has already acted on this directive in other cases, sidelining three officials from separate sports associations from contesting the upcoming elections.
Yet Shirantha Peries remains untouched.
International Olympic Committee’s letter sent to the NOCSL dated 12th January 2026
A Pattern of Impunity Within NOCSL
For many observers, this inconsistency is not surprising. It follows a pattern seen before within the same institution. Former NOCSL President Hemasiri Fernando and Secretary General Maxwell De Silva have both been linked to a US $10,000 scandal dating back to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and have evaded arrest for over a decade.
Peries appears to have followed a similar trajectory. The inquiry ordered in 2017 has now dragged on for over nine years, surviving the tenure of multiple Sports Ministers who have come and gone without bringing the investigation to a conclusion.
Whistleblower Retaliation and Court Victory
The origins of these allegations trace back to Lt. Col. (Rtd) Dushan Wijewickrema, former Secretary of the NSSF. After raising concerns, Wijewickrema faced repercussions. His international referee and judges license was suspended and eventually revoked by the International Shooting Federation in Germany, actions allegedly influenced by Peries.
However, Wijewickrema fought back.
In a case filed at the District Court, he secured a ruling in his favor, ordering the NSSF to immediately lift the suspension and reissue his license. The judgment, delivered on May 26, 2025, under case number DSP 140/16, is fully documented and in the possession of The Morning Telegraph.
Nearly eleven months later, the ruling remains unimplemented.
This failure to comply has now placed Shirantha Peries in potential contempt of court.
Delayed Inquiry and Audio Evidence
Under sustained pressure, the Ministry of Sports eventually proceeded with the long-delayed inquiry originally requested by the Ministry of Defense. A formal hearing was held on November 13, 2025.
The Morning Telegraph possesses both the official letters summoning Peries and Wijewickrema to attend the inquiry, as well as a 57-minute audio recording from the proceedings. In that recording, Peries is heard repeatedly evading direct questions, deflecting responsibility, and making unsubstantiated accusations against others, including former NOCSL President Hemasiri Fernando and former Sri Lanka Navy Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrema.
None of these counter-allegations were supported by evidence.
Even the inquiry panel representing the Ministry of Sports reportedly found little substance in his defense.
CIABOC Case and Election Eligibility Concerns
Meanwhile, another case against Peries remains active at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC), under reference number A/C 3936/2025. This ongoing case further strengthens the argument that his candidacy for the NOCSL presidency directly violates IOC and OCA governance directives.
Allegations of Political Protection
Despite all this, there appears to be little urgency from those in power to address the issue.
Minister of Sports Sunil Kumara Gamage, who initially promised fairness and reform in line with the ruling National People’s Power (NPP) vision, now faces accusations of bias. Critics argue that he has failed to apply rules consistently across sports associations.
Peries , for his part, has maintained close ties with the ruling establishment. During the election campaign, he openly supported the NPP and later secured the position of Chairman of the Lotus Tower. Allegations have since surfaced that he has misused this position, including claims of supplying alcohol to establishments within the tower.
Whether these claims will be investigated remains unclear.
A Defining Moment for Sri Lankan Sport
What is clear, however, is that the integrity of Sri Lanka’s sporting leadership now hangs in the balance.
If, despite mounting evidence, ongoing investigations, and clear international directives, Shirantha Peries is still permitted to contest the upcoming election, it will raise serious questions about governance, accountability, and political interference.
At that point, the responsibility will shift to the member associations themselves.
They must decide whether their vote will help rebuild Sri Lankan sport or entrench a system that rewards influence over integrity.
The outcome of this election may well define the future of sport in the country.
Dear Editor,
I am writing regarding the article titled “Image Cleanup Campaign Ahead of Elections.”
It is deeply concerning that similar narratives tend to surface in the lead-up to elections within Sri Lanka’s sporting institutions. Regardless of who the subject may be, the timing and framing of such reports risk creating a perception of advocacy rather than objective journalism.
Responsible reporting—especially during election periods—should rely on verified findings, completed investigations, and documented outcomes rather than allegations that remain unresolved or selectively presented. When complex matters that are reported in a manner that appears conclusive, it can unintentionally mislead readers and unfairly influence the environment surrounding an election.
The public, athletes, and member federations deserve balanced coverage that reflects the full context of the issues being discussed. This includes presenting verified facts, acknowledging the status of ongoing investigations, and avoiding language that may suggest guilt or wrongdoing before due process has been completed.
Sri Lankan sport has already suffered from prolonged disputes and reputational damage. Media institutions therefore play an important role in ensuring that reporting contributes to transparency and accountability without amplifying narratives that may distort the facts during critical decision-making periods.
I respectfully urge your editorial team to apply the same standards of verification and balance to all reporting related to the upcoming NOCSL election so that the public can rely on the information presented.
Sincerely,
Albert Jayewardene
Los Angeles. California