The controversial sports regulations that have been under heavy fire in the recent months will see a revival according to the Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara, who briefed the media at the press conference held for the launch of the Women’s rugby team sponsorship with SAGT.
Many of the sports bodies in the country have faced heavy criticism by its stakeholders over the past few months and interim committees have been appointed, for the Cricket, Badminton and Aquatics boards, to oversee proceedings until the problems are resolved between the interest groups. Minister Jayasekara pointed out that through his new initiative, he believes that the sports bodies will be able to operate in a smooth manner without any political interference hereafter.
When he took up duties in August, one of the key things that was mentioned in his keynote address was to resolve the issues pertaining to the sports bodies. The International Olympic Committee, which administers the sporting bodies worldwide, strongly encourages governing bodies to act without political interference and through the new regulations, the sports minister affirmed that this practice will be established.
Having had several meetings with the IOC, the minister further revealed that they have come to an agreement on the changes that need to be applied within the Sri Lankan framework. One of the main introductions to the system will be the initiation of a ‘Tribune’: a judicial organization that will be established with the participation of retired high court judges to whom the sports bodies could address issues that arise during elections.
Usually court advice is sought during an emergence of a controversy but through this initiative, the minister believes that, the court move could be averted and will aid the smooth movement of activities since the athletes are the ones who are always affected as a result of political agendas.
Another important change to the framework will be the time period that a person could hold tenure in a sports body. According to the new regulation, a person could be elected to hold tenure in the governing body for two consecutive terms of four years. After his or her eight-year stint comes to a close, the officials will need to by pass a mandatory four-year term to be eligible once again for elections.
The amendments to the sports law will be tabulated and presented to parliament by the end of this year. The minister believes that sports bodies including Sri Lanka Cricket could move towards holding elections early next year and by March or April he believes that all sporting bodies will be able to finalize their respective administrative bodies and focus on the development of the respective sport.
Concluding his statement, the honorable minister mentioned that the 2016 year will be a great year for sports and to look forward to it.
