Maxwell De Silva, the embattled Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), is back in the spotlight, this time attempting to manipulate public perception following his suspension by the NOCSL Ethics Committee. Despite clear directives to step down, De Silva is now attempting to use the media to sow confusion, responding to a Sunday newspaper that exposed his suspension.
In his right of reply, De Silva shockingly claims that the NOCSL Executive Committee is challenging the findings of the Ethics Committee, based on an earlier investigation ordered by former Sports Minister Harin Fernando after multiple allegations from a Member of Parliament.
This audacious maneuver raises serious concerns about De Silva’s intentions and the transparency of the NOCSL. Is this another attempt to sidestep accountability and cling to power and continue to line his pockets further? The public should be on alert, as the stakes in Sri Lanka sports governance have never been higher.
What is factually accurate is that the Ethics Committee comprising Dinal Phillips PC, Dr. Seevali Jayawickrema, and Ashan Stanislaus, is overseeing two distinct investigations.
The first investigation, which led to the suspension of NOCSL Secretary General Maxwell De Silva, has been concluded and is now considered a closed case. The second investigation involves accusations raised by several sports associations at the Annual General Meeting, including allegations of misconduct, such as the theft of an exercise bicycle and other misdeeds. This investigation is ongoing, and De Silva was given until October 14, 2024, to provide explanations.
It is important to note that this deadline pertains to the second investigation, not the one that resulted in his suspension ordered by the Ethics Committee.
While prominent figures such as the now-convicted Kuwaiti Prime Minister/Defense Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah stepped aside when accused of criminal offenses, allowing investigations to proceed, NOCSL’s Maxwell De Silva appears determined to hold on to his position by any means necessary. Sheikh Ahmad, after being found guilty, was banned from holding any position within the International Olympic Committee for 15 years due to ethics violations, despite having served as president of both the Olympic Council of Asia and the Association of National Olympic Committees. In stark contrast, Maxwell De Silva’s refusal to step down has sparked concerns, with critics warning that his continued presence in office after his suspension sets a dangerous precedent. Many fear he could sabotage crucial information within the NOCSL and make attempts to derail his case.
Further, several other alarming fraudulent allegations pertaining to Sec.Gen De Silva have now surfaced.
Exposé: Unaccounted IOC Funds – Did Maxwell De Silva Pocket Olympic Funds During the Pandemic?
A troubling story has emerged regarding Maxwell De Silva, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), and his handling of funds intended to benefit Olympic-bound athletes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the lead-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, De Silva reportedly secured US $10,000 from the IOC Solidarity Fund. The purpose of these funds was to provide English language lessons via Zoom for athletes preparing for the Olympic Games.
Despite the clear intent of the funding, no documented financial accounts have surfaced regarding how the money was spent. The project’s point of contact, former Sri Lankan badminton player Nirupa Karunaratne, was appointed to oversee the initiative, yet to this day, no reports have been provided on the utilization of the funds. Many insiders allege that De Silva personally pocketed 30% of the money, while the remainder was used by Karunaratne for his personal overseas travels.
Another query that has come to light is tha during the COVID-19 pandemic, 12 computers were purchased from a supplier named Aravinda a personal friend of Sec.Gen De Silva at prices way above the usual market rate. This deal was made approved by De Silva’s Assistant Secretary Chandana Liyanage who also happens to be the Chairman Procurement. Aravinda who also supplies stationery and other office equipment to the NOCSL, who some allege to be a business partner of De Silva, was subsequently taken to the Commonwealth Games too on an all expense paid joy ride.
Meanwhile, funds intended for the Olympic program have also raised concerns, as no local audit was conducted, only an International Olympic Committee (IOC) audit was completed. There are allegations that bogus bills and fraudulent documents were submitted, with suspicions that the corrupt dealings of De Silva may have fabricated the documents. These actions have raised questions about accountability and transparency in the financial handling of the funds.
This raises serious questions about the accountability and transparency within the NOCSL, as these funds were specifically designated for athlete support, not personal gain. The lack of documentation has further fueled suspicions of financial mismanagement, adding to the already controversial tenure of De Silva as Secretary General. How long will these actions go unchecked, and will the truth ever fully surface?
Exposé: NOCSL’s Mismanagement of Rs 53 Million in Olympic Funds Raises Alarming Questions
Serious allegations have surfaced regarding the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) and its handling of over Rs 53 million in training funds earmarked for eight athletes in the lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. These funds were intended to support the training of athletes who were supposedly on the path to qualifying for the Olympics. Shockingly, none of the eight athletes even made it to the Paris Games.
Of the eight, only three managed to qualify for the Asian Games in 2023, yet none secured a medal, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the training programs and the use of the funds. What is even more concerning is the fact that these athletes continued receiving funds even after it became clear they would not qualify for the Olympics. This begs the question where did the rest of the money go, and did these athletes actually receive the financial support they were promised, or was the money funneled elsewhere?
Alarming Case of Judoka Kasun Rajitha Pushpakumara’s sponsorship sum of Rs 9.4 Million
The case of Kasun Rajitha Pushpakumara, selected for an Olympic Scholarship in Judo, stands out as particularly troubling. Despite being second in the eligibility list at the time of selection, Pushpakumara was awarded an enormous sum of Rs 9.4 million. Shockingly, no proper progress reviews were conducted during his training period, and he participated in five competitions, failing to win a single medal.
What’s even more alarming is that Pushpakumara was selected for this substantial scholarship without proper endorsement from the Judo Federation, pointing to a deep lack of transparency and fairness in the selection process. How was such a large amount of money allocated without oversight, and why was a less eligible candidate chosen? This case further underscores the serious flaws and potential corruption within the NOCSL’s handling of Olympic training funds.
The current National Judo Captain and national champion on multiple ocassions has lodged a formal complaint with the Ministry of Sports and its Special Investigation Unit regarding this issue, and investigations are now in progress. Interestingly, the President of the Judo Federation, who attended the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and then absconded in the UK, is also the uncle of Kasun Rajitha Pushpakumara.
The public deserves answers: who is responsible for this mismanagement, and how extensive is the misuse of funds? The NOCSL’s actions, viewed as more corrupt than even those of politicians, have cast a shadow of suspicion over Sri Lanka’s entire sports administration.
