Sports Minister lays foundation for corruption-free administration; more to follow?
View(s):Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage’s bold decision to suspend the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) over allegations of corruption and mismanagement should be commended. It underscores the minister’s commitment to clean up the deeply entrenched issues within Sri Lanka’s sports bodies to ensure accountability and good governance.
For years, these sports bodies have been plagued by allegations of corruption, inefficiency and self-serving officials. Many hold positions under the guise of honorary roles but remain in office for decades, prioritising perks over performance.
The minister’s move to suspend the NOCSL Secretary General sends a clear message that this will no longer be tolerated. His action is not just about removing individuals but also about setting new standards of governance and transparency.
However, this is just the beginning and the road is long and hard to implement reforms to make sports free from corruption and mismanagement. Now the focus should be on Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC), a body that has been criticised for years for its lack of accountability and resistance to change. Cricket, as a multi-billion rupee business and a national obsession, demands professional corporate management to thrive. It deserves leadership that prioritises the sport’s development and the nation’s pride over personal gain. This is where the implementation of the Chitrasiri Committee’s recommendations becomes crucial.
The Chitrasiri Committee, led by retired Supreme Court Justice K.T. Chitrasiri, and comprising President’s Counsel Harsha Amarasekara, Attorney-at-Law Dr. Aritha Wickramanayake and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce Duminda Hulangamuwa, has prepared a new constitution for SLC.
It recommends to overhaul cricket administration and introduce mechanisms for transparency, accountability and professionalism. Despite their efforts the proposed constitution remains unimplemented as SLC has resisted it. Why are individuals holding office at SLC so keen to hold on to their positions in these honorary roles? The answer lies in the perks and privileges that come with these positions. These officials have been in office for nearly two decades and have sacrificed the sport’s development and integrity for their own selfish interests.
It is time for a change and Minister Gamage has the opportunity to lead the charge. As a chartered accountant, the Minister has already shown he is willing to take bold steps. His background is ideal to address the systemic issues in SLC. By implementing the Chitrasiri Committee’s recommendations, he can bring in a new era of governance to SLC. This will not only restore the faith in cricket administration but also fulfill the government’s election manifesto on sports governance.
This reformist agenda has received support from respected individuals and organisations. Figures like Sidath Wettimuny, Dinal Philips (President’s Counsel), and Kushil Gunasekera, have long advocated for transparency and professionalism in sports administration. These are individuals with no hidden agendas, genuinely committed to the betterment of Sri Lankan sports. Their expertise and dedication could serve as valuable assets in driving reforms under the minister’s leadership.
Cricket, for all its flaws, is the only sport that competes consistently at a high level. Other sports, barring occasional individual achievements, fail to make a mark. A comprehensive, professional approach is essential to elevate sports across the board. The minister’s approach could include identifying key sports for special focus, ensuring consistent funding, and fostering a professional culture.
The suspension of the NOCSL Secretary General is a watershed moment, but it is just the beginning. Minister Gamage’s resolve will be tested as he navigates the complex web of vested interests and entrenched power structures within sports administration. The support of the public, media, and key stakeholders will be crucial in sustaining this momentum.