Sri Lanka’s sports administration has come under intense scrutiny after Dayasiri Jayasekara, a Member of Parliament from the Samagi Jana Balavegaya, raised serious allegations against the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, accusing it of financial misconduct, governance failures, and attempts to manipulate its upcoming election.
Addressing Parliament, Jayasekara stated that the NOCSL had failed to hold its Annual General Meeting for 2025 and had not passed its budget for the current year. Despite these shortcomings, he alleged that the organization is planning to proceed with its election of office bearers for the 2025–2029 term on April 25 under questionable circumstances.
He further highlighted that the NOCSL had not submitted its completed audit report for 2024, which is a mandatory requirement for all sports associations before the stipulated deadline. Describing the situation as a serious lapse, the MP questioned the accountability of the body responsible for overseeing Olympic sports in the country.
Jayasekara also claimed that the committee had attempted to introduce a budget for 2026 without proper approval from its Executive Board through an Annual General Meeting, and was now trying to validate it retrospectively. He urged Sunil Kumara Gamage, the Minister of Sports, to clarify what action would be taken, noting that similar violations by other sports bodies would have resulted in suspension.
The MP revealed that a formal complaint had been submitted to the Sports Minister in April 2025 raising concerns over the conduct of the current NOCSL leadership. However, he alleged that no action had been taken even after a year, calling for an immediate investigation into the matter.
He also raised concerns about financial irregularities involving funds linked to a personal gift given to Husain Al-Musallam during his visit to Sri Lanka, claiming that the money had been improperly handled. Jayasekara stated that he possesses audio evidence to support his claims and intends to present it.
Further allegations included the formation of an Ethics Committee allegedly designed to serve the interests of the current leadership by preventing credible candidates from contesting the upcoming election. Among those reportedly affected is Jaswar Umar, President of the Football Federation, who is said to have been targeted with unfounded accusations to weaken his chances.
Describing the Olympic body as deeply flawed, the MP alleged that more than Rs 80 million had been withdrawn from a Rs 100 million fund without proper approval from the Executive Board or General Assembly. He expressed concern that despite multiple allegations, neither the government nor authorities have taken meaningful steps to investigate.
