IOC, OCA set April deadline for NOC Sri Lanka elections

By Staff Correspondent

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) have instructed the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to hold its long-overdue Annual General Meeting (AGM) and quadrennial Elective General Assembly no later than the end of April 2026, making it clear that ongoing investigations cannot be used to delay the electoral process indefinitely.

In a joint letter dated January 12, 2026, sent from Lausanne to NOCSL President Surendran Subramaniam, the IOC and OCA acknowledged that the forensic audit launched several months ago to examine the NOCSL’s financial operations and internal management has yet to be completed. However, the international bodies stressed that the unfinished audit does not constitute sufficient justification to continue postponing elections.

The IOC and OCA said they hoped the forensic audit would be concluded in time, with a comprehensive report submitted and any necessary remedial action taken before the elections. Completing this process, they noted, would enable the NOCSL to reinforce principles of good governance, integrity and transparency, while helping restore its long-term credibility and reputation within the Olympic Movement.

Reiterating an earlier directive issued on January 15, 2025, the IOC and OCA also took a firm stance on eligibility and ethical conduct. They stated that any NOCSL member or official who is currently under investigation and/or subject to sanction must refrain from involvement in the committee’s affairs. Such individuals, the letter emphasised, should not attend any General Assembly meetings or contest positions at the upcoming elections, in keeping with the fundamental principles of good governance and ethical standards of the Olympic Movement.

The letter further stressed that the AGM and Elective General Assembly must be conducted strictly in line with the Olympic Charter and the IOC-approved NOCSL Constitution. This requirement, the IOC and OCA indicated, leaves no scope for procedural deviations or unilateral interpretations of the rules governing Sri Lanka’s Olympic administration.

Until the elections are held, the IOC and OCA confirmed they will continue to recognise Surendran Subramaniam as President of the NOCSL, together with the current Executive Board. This interim recognition allows the existing leadership to manage day-to-day operations and implement the steps outlined by the international bodies within the prescribed deadlines.

Calling for cooperation from all stakeholders, the IOC and OCA said they were counting on the collective support of NOCSL members to ensure the process is completed smoothly, without further delay or unnecessary complications. They underlined that the ultimate priority remains the interests of Sri Lankan athletes and the integrity of the Olympic Movement in the country.

The IOC and OCA also requested that the letter be circulated among all NOCSL members in the interest of full transparency, and sought prompt feedback and confirmation of the next steps from the NOCSL, signalling continued close oversight of the situation.