It’s Olympic bonanza time for Suranjith Premadasa, Vice President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), as he and his wife are set to attend the Paris 2024 Olympic Games later this month. This trip is anticipated to result in another substantial, albeit illegal, payout, mirroring the alleged siphoning of thousands of US dollars during his trip to the Asian Games which was held in China last year, despite regulations prohibiting NOCSL officials from collecting per diems for official travel.
Adding to the controversy, a forensic financial audit approved at the NOCSL AGM in 2021 remains unconducted. The Executive Committee’s failure to carry out the audit raises suspicions, leaving many wondering why there has been no action, as practices as such have continued unchecked for years.
These practices have become part and parcel of normal behavior, with officials even purchasing brand-new mobile phones and mastering the art of making claims for such purchases by producing bills that escape scrutiny. Several officials attached to the NOCSL Executive Committee, such as Maxwell De Silva and Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe, are alleged to be the masterminds behind numerous cases filed at the Fraud Bureau, SIU, CID, Bribery Commission, and virtually every institution where cases can be filed. These officials are implicated in various acts of corruption, fraud, racketeering, forgery, and human smuggling. Despite some cases resulting in guilty verdicts, the entrenched culture of corruption among officials often leads to prolonged investigations.
Violations of Sports Law
What’s most troubling is the Ministry of Sports’ approval of Suranjith Premadasa’s activities, despite his blatant violation of the country’s Sports Law.
Premadasa is directly involved in the Equestrian Sport Association, where he serves as President. Equestrian sports, distinct from horse racing, include events like Show Jumping and Dressage. With minimal Equestrian activities taking place in Sri Lanka, Premadasa continues to hold the presidential post, using the address of his private business, the Premadasa Riding School, as the official address.
Suranjith Premadasa’s Facebook page lists him as the former Chairman and CEO of the Premadasa Riding School, while his LinkedIn profile lists him as the Managing Director. This dual role is a clear violation of the country’s sports law. The Ministry of Sports, which has penalized others for similar infractions, seems to have turned a blind eye to Premadasa’s actions, allowing him to enjoy undue privileges.
The Ministry of Sports’ inaction is particularly puzzling given the benefits that certain officials receive from corrupt NOCSL officials, including overseas trips and lavish hampers.
This situation underscores the need for transparency and accountability within Sri Lanka’s sports administration.
