Sports Ministry seeking AG’s guidance on alleged malpractices by NOCSL officials
The Ministry of Sports is currently awaiting the Attorney General’s opinion on an investigation report concerning alleged malpractices by officials of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL).
In response to the investigation, the NOCSL’s Ethics Committee has recommended the immediate suspension of Secretary General Maxwell de Silva, pending further investigations by law enforcement. This recommendation follows an inquiry conducted by a three-member committee appointed by former Sports Minister, Harin Fernando, earlier this year. The report focused on alleged financial misconduct involving de Silva and former NOCSL President Hemasiri Fernando related to the 2016 Rio Olympics.
K. Mahesan, Secretary to the Ministry of Sports, stated, “We have sought the Attorney General’s guidance on this matter. Based on their advice, we will determine our next course of action.” Exactly a month ago, the Secretary requested the AG’s opinion in light of the troubling findings in the investigation report.
Following last weekend’s article in the Sunday Times, sources indicate that a faction of de Silva’s supporters within the NOCSL is considering various options, including dismissing the Ethics Committee led by Dinal Philips, PC, and pushing for immediate elections that could end the tenure of incumbent President Suresh Subramanium. They may also propose a no-confidence motion against Subramanium, who initiated the Sports Ministry investigation. Subramanium and de Silva are at loggerheads and are now involved in a public warfare.
The investigation revealed that the NOCSL violated regulations by sending six individuals to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games without the Ministry of Sports’ approval. Out of the 176 attendees (170 approved and six unapproved), 12 absconded during the event, tarnishing the country’s reputation.
The committee, led by Director General of Sports Dr. Shamal Fernando, included retired DIG Jagath Hemantha Fonseka and retired Deputy Auditor General NR Manel Dharmasiri. They submitted their report on February 6, 2024, but no actions have been reported to date.
NOCSL President Suresh Subramanium had previously requested an investigation into allegations made in Parliament last year, which accused him and Secretary General de Silva of fraudulently obtaining funds for overseas travel and being involved in human smuggling related to athlete competitions.
The Ethics Committee report, issued on September 4, 2024, emphasised the need for immediate action: “It is our view that the NOCSL should take serious cognizance of the report and suspend Secretary Maxwell de Silva pending further investigations by law enforcement and other statutory authorities. We also recommend that this matter be brought to the attention of the International Olympic Committee.”
The Committee noted that the implicated NOCSL officers have acted inappropriately for their positions. The two-page report concluded that the observations made by the committee were self-explanatory and sufficiently established the allegations against the officers.
The report highlighted a government audit finding that both the President and Secretary General claimed US$10,000 each for travel and accommodation during the Rio Olympics, despite already receiving compensation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They delayed settling their expenses, with the NOC charging these costs in Sri Lankan rupees to its accounts, while reimbursement only occurred in 2017, over a year after the expenses were incurred.
Both officials received US$10,000 (approximately 1,425,159 Sri Lankan Rupees) for travel and accommodation on March 14, 2016. The IOC report indicated that the NOC spent Rs. 791,690 for the Chairman and Rs. 1,064,018 for the Secretary General in 2016. The funds were returned to the NOC on April 6 and December 4, 2017.
The matter is currently under investigation by the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Ministry of Sports and has been referred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) by the Attorney General’s Department for further action. Despite prior instructions, the CID has yet to make significant progress.
Maxwell de Silva has served as Secretary General since 2009.