Battle heats up between Jaswar and Shirantha for NOCSL Presidency

Saturday, 25 April 2026 04:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Jaswar Umar

Shirantha Peries

Asanga Seneviratne

The race for the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Presidency has intensified ahead of its crucial Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for today, with three prominent administrators emerging as key contenders for the top post.

In what was initially expected to be a tight contest, the battle has developed into a highly competitive two-way race, reflecting growing interest and divisions within Sri Lanka’s sporting fraternity. The candidates vying for the prestigious presidency are Jaswar Umar, Shirantha Peries, and Asanga Seneviratne. A tight contest is on the cards for the top position between Umar and Peries.

Among them, Peries, a current Vice President of the NOCSL, has already outlined a vision centred on transparency, good governance, and athlete-focused development. His early campaign positioning has made him a strong contender in the eyes of many stakeholders.

Umar has entered the race as a common candidate representing several national associations, pledging unity, financial discipline, and structural reforms aimed at revitalising Sri Lanka’s sporting framework. His candidacy signals a push from emerging factions seeking broader representation.

The other candidate contesting is former Vice President of NOCSL and former President of Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) Asanga Seneviratne, who is considered an underdog in the three-cornered battle for the NOCSL presidency.

Niloo Jayatilake, who has been nominated through Sri Lanka Golf, is seeking re-election as Vice President and is the only female candidate for one of the VP positions. Jayatilake is also the current Olympic Council of Asia Executive Director representing South Asia.

Current Sri Lanka Rugby President Pavithra Fernando has been nominated for one of the committee member positions.

With 28 voting member associations expected to decide the outcome, the election is poised to be a defining moment for the future direction of Olympic sports in Sri Lanka. (SJ)

Final nominations:

President

Jaswar Umar, Shirantha Peries, Asanga Seneviratne

Secretary

Fahmy Rifdy, Indunil Piyasena

Vice Presidents

Iqbal Issack, Rohan Perera, Asanga Seneviratne, Niloo Jayathilake, Prasanna Wijeyasinghe, Sarath Hewawitharana, Lt. Col. Ajith Siyambalapitiya, Sajeewa Udawatta, Roshan Gunawardena, Perumal Visvanathan

Asst. Secretary

Sarath Hewawitharana, Samantha Nanayakkara, Ashmitha Gunaratne

Treasurer

Nomal Ekanayake, Aroshana Wijesinghe, Lt. Col. Ajith Siyambalapitiya

Asst. Treasurer

Aroshana Wijesinghe, Asanka Ariyachandra

Committee members

Ishan Ameer, Mahinda Liyanage, Rohana Wickramanayake, Samantha Nanayakkara, Pavithra Fernando, Danula Thilkaratne, Roshan Gunawardena