First Sport Administrators Course for 2025 concludes in Colombo

Thursday, 31 July 2025 02:35 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) successfully concluded the first edition of its Sport Administrators Course for the year 2025, held from 17 to 20 July, at the Olympic House in Colombo. Organised under the auspices of Olympic Solidarity, the program attracted 51 applications, with 42 sport administrators selected to participate, including 25 female representatives.

This edition marked a significant milestone for the initiative, recording the highest percentage of female participants in a single batch since the course was introduced. The achievement underscores NOC Sri Lanka’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality in sport leadership and governance.

The participant cohort represented a diverse cross-section of stakeholders from across the country, including national sport federations, universities, the Armed Forces, and community-based clubs. Among the represented organisations were the Sri Lanka Golf Union, Handball Federation of Sri Lanka, Sambo Federation of Sri Lanka, Squash Federation of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Judo Association, Sri Lanka Rugby, the Department of Sports Development, Sabaragamuwa University, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Athletics Club, Renown Football Academy, and the YMCA Colombo.

The course was delivered by a distinguished panel of National Course Directors comprising Group Captain Nalin de Silva, Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando, Gobinath Sivarajah, and Anoma Rathnayaka. The curriculum was based on the Olympic Solidarity Sport Administration Manual and included key modules on Olympic values, governance, strategic planning, leadership, and event management.

Specialised sessions were also conducted by Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya on anti-doping in sport and Dr. Namith Sankalpana on sports medicine.

The course was described as a vital step in strengthening leadership in sport, with participants highlighting the value of the learning experience and collaboration.

“It’s an honour to support this initiative,” said Theekshana Anjelo Joseph Perera of the Handball Federation of Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, Group Captain Niroshan Kiriwella of the Sri Lanka Air Force noted, “The First Olympic Solidarity Sport Administrators Course was an inspiring and enriching experience, offering valuable insights into sports administration and fostering collaboration among participants.”

Chamathka Dewmini of Sabaragamuwa University, in the meantime, described it as “a transformative journey where knowledge met action, shaping future leaders by igniting purpose, sharpening leadership, and proving that true excellence in sport begins with inspired, well-informed administration.”

This successful edition reinforces NOC Sri Lanka’s broader mission to build capacity within the national sporting ecosystem through inclusive, high-quality professional development initiatives aligned with the principles of the Olympic Movement.

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