Membership of National Olympic Committee decides on early elections

Tuesday, 17 December 2024 02:34 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The General Membership of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), during its Special General Assembly held on 13 December, resolved to conduct elections for new office bearers no later than 31 March 2025.

This decision aligns with the NOCSL constitution and the Olympic cycle of 2025-2028. The resolution is a critical step to address ongoing internal disputes and restore operational stability.

The Special General Assembly was convened as per the NOCSL constitution, following requests from a majority of Executive Board Members and National Member Federations. This meeting comes in response to prolonged conflicts within the Executive Board, marked by divisions and mutual allegations that have significantly disrupted the NOCSL’s operations and its support for sporting activities. Despite multiple attempts to mediate and unify the Board, these efforts have regrettably not succeeded.

Recognising the gravity of the situation, the General Membership deliberated on warnings issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). The decision to call for early elections aims to address these concerns, appoint a new committee for the Olympic cycle, and chart a clear path forward.

The membership expressed their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of Sri Lankan athletes and upholding the integrity of the NOCSL. Early elections were identified as the first crucial step to resolve the crisis and meet the governance expectations set forth by the IOC and OCA. The resolution to conduct elections was supported by 23 National Member Federations, with one opposing and two abstained.

“The athletes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement, and their interests must take precedence over individual agendas. This election is essential to protect their future and restore the NOCSL’s credibility,” said a representative of the Member Federations.

The NOCSL is committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process in alignment with the principles of good governance and the Olympic Charter. This election is viewed as a turning point for the NOCSL, paving the way for a revitalised organisation capable of effectively supporting sports development in Sri Lanka and regaining the trust of international partners.

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