“Sports Act to create a new chapter in sports”
“We did some amendments to the National Sports Act to uplift Sri Lanka sports and hope these changes will bring success in the future”, said Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe at a special press briefing held at the Sports Ministry Duncan White Auditorium yesterday.
“The 1973 no 25 Sports Act Amendments were already issued by the Special Gazette on December 14 and these changes have been done by a special committee chosen by the Sports Ministry while originally these changes were discussed by this special committee headed by former Minister Malik Samarawickrama which was appointed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe”, added Minister Roshan.
“I have to say these amendments are not for the benefit of any official, team or sports body.”
“We wanted to see sports and athletes development with these amendments and I think this creates a new chapter in Sri Lanka sports. We also wanted to think positively and these amendments can be categorised into main three sections: sports officials, sports body elections system, and selection criteria”, he said. “With these amendments, none of the sports officials over the age of 70 are eligible to be elected to sports bodies and top officials like President, Secretary, and Treasurer, cannot be appointed after four years (two-year terms). In addition, officials who are dual citizens cannot contest. These rules are eligible for the National sports bodies, Divisional secretariat level associations, district associations and Provincial Associations which are affiliated to the National sports body.
An official who has served a four-year period for top three posts can continue as a normal member of the sports body but not for the top posts. The officials who are already appointed to the Sports Bodies can continue their term but cannot contest again according to the new rule.
The same amendments are eligible for the National Olympic Committee (NOC) in Sri Lanka. Its always has to work under Sri Lanka sports law and they can continue their activities under the new rules, he said.
Especially we have graded Sports Bodies into three categories while A category the treasurer has to be appointed after considering his qualifications.
Officials who wish to give nominations for the National sports body can’t do any type of work at the Sports Ministry. The sports body elections system also have some amendments and the maximum votes are limited to 40-45.
A National body can send ten member names for the selection committee and it has to go through the National Selection committee as well as National Sports Council and finally to be approved by the Sports Minister. The selection committee appointment will be for a period of two years.