Sports Minister Harin Fernando has taken decisive action by issuing a special gazette notification, suspending the registration of governing bodies for five sports in Sri Lanka. This move, announced in the latest communiqué dated December 22, 2023, affects key organizations involved in the administration of various sports disciplines.
The suspended governing bodies include the Sri Lanka Archery Association, Sri Lanka Kabaddi Federation, Sri Lanka Wrestling Federation, Sri Lanka Bridge Federation, and Sri Lanka Roller Skating Association. The suspension, executed through the powers vested in the Sports Minister under Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law, No.25 of 1973, comes into immediate effect.
To ensure continuity and proper functioning during this period, Prof. (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, the Director General of the Sports Development Department, has been appointed as the ‘competent authority.’ This temporary measure, effective from December 21, 2023, grants Prof. Fernando the authority to oversee administrative tasks and facilitate the necessary activities within the affected sports governing bodies, including the coordination and execution of upcoming elections.
