Should sports bodies be left alone?

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Fresh amendments to the sports law have given the Sports Minister increased authority over sports bodies, with some of them enabling him to decide the eligibility of senior board members as well as �their length of service. Is this a smart move or do sport associations need to be left in charge of their own affairs?

Pix by Amila Gamage

Decisions concerning sporting bodies and sports should be made by those who know about sports. People who have done sports know how to improve the sport and have fresh ideas on how to develop it. - A. Hettiarachchi (Parent)	A sporting body knows what’s best for them so I don’t think a minister should get directly involved like that. - Anuka Samaratne (Businessman)
I think that these changes are good. I think all sports governing bodies should work with the minister otherwise they can’t run according to a proper plan. - Chamari Priyangani (parent)	The matters of sports associations should be handled by people who understand sports. So I think that the members of these associations should work independently. If someone who is elected does or does not work well, the sports body should have regulations to send him out. - Dilan Nalaka (Student)
Once the Sports Minister appoints a selection panel and if he overrules his selection panel then he does not have faith in his selection panel. Sport should be independent of politics. - Gamini Perera (Sports enthusiasts)	If the sports associations work well then there is no problem but if some are not working properly I think it’s good for the Sports Minister to get involved. - Ki Su Lee (Taekwondo Coach)
If the minister is getting directly involved he will have to know something about each and every sport. From my point of view, if the President is selected by people within the sport then those selecting him know his credentials. - Mahesh Wickremesinghe (Student)	It is a very good move. There are certain criteria, and within those criteria associations should be independent. So these rules have to be there. There may be grey areas and problem areas but this is only the beginning. So if we find any problems with these changes all sports bodies will once again meet and discuss things. - Major Gen. Daya Ratnayake (President of the Athletics Associations)
I actually can’t decide which side should have this power. In my opinion whoever runs things will make the same mistakes and the same problems will arise. It is clear that all sports bodies are on the decline. - Malraj Pigura (Hockey coach)	One person should not have that kind of power, they should have a democratic system. So I think it is better for the associations to function without interference. - Ranil Pathirana (Private sector employee)