COLOMBO, Apr 16 (ePRESS) – The camp led by presidential candidate Jaswar Umar is pushing for sweeping financial reform at the National Olympic Committee (NOC), with Treasurer candidate Ajith Siyambalapitiya vowing to bring “financial integrity” and redirect more funds to athletes ahead of the crucial Annual General Meeting on April 25 in Colombo.
“My ambition is to bring financial integrity,” Siyambalapitiya said, stressing that transparency and accountability are “very vital” in sports administration.
Five candidates — Asanga Seneviratne, Jaswar Umar, Preethi Viraj, Shirantha Peiris and Deva Henry — are contesting for the NOC presidency, but insiders say the Umar camp holds a slight edge going into the vote.
A total of 31 votes will decide the outcome at the AGM at the Duncan White Auditorium at the Sports Ministry. Twenty-nine votes come from national sports federations, while the Athletes’ Commission of Olympians holds two votes.
“From Jaswar Umar’s party there are 15 members in our team. We have a voting edge,” Siyambalapitiya said.
Observers believe the vote could split among several candidates, which may favour Umar’s camp if its support base remains intact.
Siyambalapitiya, a former Sri Lanka Army Colonel and experienced finance professional, sharply criticised the current financial system of the NOC, claiming that a large portion of funds is not reaching athletes.
“In the current situation, most of the funds are spent on administrative work, legal fees and tours. The funds are not reaching the athlete. There is a mistake in this system,” he said.
He said only about 25 percent of funds are currently allocated to athletes, while nearly 75 percent goes towards administrative and operational expenses.
“The best portion should go to the athlete — for training, competitions and international exposure. That is how we develop sport,” he said.
He also pointed to governance issues, saying last year’s NOC financial budget had not been approved and this year’s budget is yet to be finalised.
“We want to run a policy where the athlete comes first. First we spend for the athlete, then for administration,” Siyambalapitiya said.
He warned that ongoing disputes within sports administration have hurt athletes.
“When we quarrel, the athletes are penalised. We must stop this and work together,” he said.
Calling for unity and reform, Siyambalapitiya said equal treatment for all sports bodies and a clear financial structure are key priorities.
“We should not blame others or live in the past. We must find a way forward and build strength to support the athlete,” he added.
With the election drawing near, the Umar camp is banking on its reform message and voting strength to secure control of the NOC and reshape the country’s sports administration.
