National Olympic Committe to conduct forensic audit on Olympic Solidarity funds
Following the suspension of Maxwell de Silva, the Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), over allegations of financial irregularities and procedural deficiencies, the NOC Executive Committee has taken the step to order a forensic audit into the handling of Olympic Solidarity funds. This decision marks a significant effort to unearth long-standing financial misconduct and establish much-needed transparency within the organisation.
For years, concerns have been raised about the manner in which Olympic Solidarity funds—intended to support athlete development and sporting infrastructure—have been managed. Various stakeholders, including athletes and sports administrators, have expressed growing discontent over the misallocation of these funds. The forensic audit is expected to expose deep-rooted financial malpractice and shed light on questionable financial transactions that may have been intentionally concealed.
One of the key areas of concern is the apparent conflict of interest in the disbursement of funds and the selection of venues for development using Olympic Solidarity grants. Reports suggest that funds meant for the betterment of Sri Lankan sports have been redirected for personal gain, raising serious questions about the integrity of those in charge.
The misuse of funds extends beyond just administrative irregularities; there are also allegations that these financial resources were strategically allocated to secure the loyalty of key officials within the NOCSL. Reports indicate that significant sums—$10,000 each—were awarded to individuals who have used the funds to develop facilities in their own backyards, with little to no transparency regarding the rationale behind these payments.
This blatant misuse of financial resources has severely dented the credibility of the NOCSL. Athletes, who are supposed to be the primary beneficiaries of Olympic Solidarity funding, have frequently struggled with inadequate facilities, insufficient support, and a lack of proper financial assistance, while administrators have allegedly enriched themselves under the guise of sports development. The forensic audit is expected to delve into these financial discrepancies, scrutinising every transaction and identifying those responsible for any misappropriation.
Additionally, there are concerns regarding the selection criteria for grant beneficiaries. Allegations suggest that favouritism and nepotism have played a significant role in determining who benefits from these funds. NOCSL sources said that the audit aims to ensure that only deserving athletes and programmes receive financial assistance, eliminating the influence of political or personal agendas in fund allocation.