Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency celebrates a decade of fostering clean sports

The Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA), led by its present chairman, Dr. Arjuna De Silva, and present director general, Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya De Alwis, proudly commemorates its 10th anniversary in November 2023, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to upholding the integrity of sports in Sri Lanka.Since its establishment in 2013, SLADA has played a pivotal role in promoting fair play, clean sports practices, and athlete education, ensuring that Sri Lankan athletes compete on a level playing field.

The journey of SLADA began in 2000, when The Institute of Sports Medicine (ISM) initiated anti-doping initiatives, led by Dr. Geethanjan Mendis and Dr. Seevali Jayawickrama. Initially, testing and education programs were limited, but SLADA’s dedication to safeguarding the integrity of sports gained momentum with the hosting of the South Asian Federation Games (SAF Games) in 2006.

The SAF Games marked a turning point for SLADA, as they conducted a record 200 doping tests, surpassing the previous record set at any SAF Games. SLADA also invited anti-doping observers from participating countries and trained local doctors as doping control officers and volunteers as chaperones, laying the foundation for a more comprehensive anti-doping infrastructure in Sri Lanka.

In recognition of the growing need for a dedicated anti-doping organization, SLADA was officially established in 2013 under the “Convention Against Doping in Sport Act No. 33 of 2013.” Since then, SLADA has expanded significantly, growing from a team of three individuals to the present institution it is today. In 2019, SLADA moved to its own premises near Sugathadasa Stadium, further strengthening its operational capabilities.

Over the past decade, SLADA has implemented extensive measures to enhance anti-doping awareness and strengthen testing procedures. The agency has conducted numerous educational programs for athletes, coaches, and sports administrators, emphasizing the importance of upholding ethical practices in sports. Additionally, SLADA has established a state-of-the-art doping control laboratory, equipped with the latest technology for the purpose of anti-doping researches.

SLADA’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has consistently commended the agency’s commitment to promoting clean sports in Sri Lanka. Since the beginning, WADA has recognized SLADA as a “compliant member” of the WADA Code, acknowledging the agency’s adherence to the highest global anti-doping standards.

As SLADA celebrates this momentous milestone, it reaffirms its unwavering dedication to upholding the values of integrity and fair play in Sri Lankan sports. The agency remains committed to providing athletes with the necessary support and education to compete at the highest level while adhering to the principles of clean sports.

Looking ahead, SLADA envisions a future where clean sports are the norm, ensuring that Sri Lankan athletes excel on the world stage without compromising their ethical principles. The agency is committed to strengthening its testing capabilities, expanding its educational outreach, and fostering a culture of doping-free sports in Sri Lanka.

( D.R)

The post Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency celebrates a decade of fostering clean sports appeared first on DailyNews.