Governance crisis at Sri Lanka’s National Olympic Committee could lead to global ban
The failure to address serious governance issues within the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), particularly regarding the alleged misconduct of Secretary General Maxwell de Silva, could lead to a potential global ban.Weeks ago, both the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) called for the suspension of de Silva following ethical violations and breaches of conduct, as recommended by the NOCSL’s Ethics Committee.
The Ethics Committee highlighted a series of allegations against de Silva, raising significant concerns about the integrity and operations of the NOCSL. It recommended his immediate suspension pending further investigation into alleged misconduct and inappropriate behaviour. This recommendation followed an inquiry conducted by a three-member committee appointed earlier this year by former Minister of Sports Harin Fernando, whose probe focused on allegations of financial misconduct during the 2016 Rio Olympics involving de Silva and former NOCSL President Hemasiri Fernando.
The report revealed alarming findings, including a government audit that showed both de Silva and Fernando had claimed USD 10,000 for travel and accommodation during the Rio Olympics despite already receiving payment from the IOC in 2016. These excess funds were returned years after the legal deadline, suggesting misappropriation. The inquiry also uncovered unauthorised actions, such as sending six individuals to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games without the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Sports. Some of these individuals absconded, further damaging Sri Lanka’s international reputation.
In response to the NOC’s inaction, the IOC and OCA issued strong warnings. On November 11, 2024, IOC Assistant Director of Corporate and Governance Services Jérôme Poivey urged NOC President Suresh Subramaniam to convene an emergency Executive Board meeting and address the issue promptly. The letter emphasised that these governance problems were undermining the NOC’s reputation and functionality, negatively impacting Sri Lanka’s participation in the Olympic movement.
Despite the seriousness of these findings, the NOC Executive Board, which met on November 19, failed to act on the suspension request, defying the clear instructions of the global and regional bodies.
Amid this crisis, Rifdy Fahmy, a member of the Executive Board, tendered his resignation this week, distancing himself from the internal disputes and political dynamics within the NOCSL. His resignation marks the third high-profile departure, following Major General (Rtd) Dampath Fernando and Finance Chairman Lalith Vithana, who stepped down amid allegations of widespread financial mismanagement and malpractice.
Meanwhile, reports emerged this week indicating that the NOCSL had failed to conclude an Ethics Committee inquiry regarding a letter sent by de Silva, Vice President Suranjith Premadasa, and Treasurer Gamini Jayasinghe to the OCA about the IOC/CECO’s report on the OCA’s election process review.
According to documents obtained by the Sunday Times, the trio wrote to the Acting President of the OCA, Raja Randhir Singh, on October 18, 2023, criticising the IOC for interfering in the OCA’s general administration. They argued that the IOC’s recommendation to annul the July 8, 2023, election of office bearers was based on a biased Ethics Committee report.
This angered the IOC, which demanded an Ethics Committee inquiry against the signatories. The NOCSL President, who distanced himself from the controversial letter and called it a clear violation of the NOCSL constitution, subsequently requested a thorough investigation by the IOC Ethics Committee.
In response, Paquerett Girard, IOC Ethics Committee Chairperson, instructed the NOCSL’s Ethics Committee to investigate the matter and take appropriate action as per the NOCSL constitution.
However, while the inquiry was ongoing, members supporting de Silva disbanded the previous Ethics Committee, led by Dr. Harsha Cabral, PC, delaying the process by over four months before appointing a new one. The committee, led by Dinal Philips, PC, is investigating the matter.
As the new government under President Anura Kumara Dissanayake embarks on its mission to eradicate corruption, the new Minister of Sports could start with the NOCSL—an institution long tainted by scandal and mismanagement.