BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) has been plunged into fresh uncertainty following the resignation of veteran athletics administrator Sunil Jayaweera, a highly influential figure widely credited with engineering the election of the current administration earlier this year.
Jayaweera, regarded by many as one of the architects of modern Sri Lankan athletics administration, officially stepped down from his role with effect from 24 June, citing irreconcilable differences with the present leadership over the future direction of the sport.
His departure marks another significant setback for the governing body, which has already experienced internal instability since assuming office in March.
Reform Alliance Begins to Fracture
Jayaweera played a pivotal behind-the-scenes role in securing the election of Bimal Wijayasinghe as President of Sri Lanka Athletics during the federation’s Annual General Meeting earlier this year.
At the time, his endorsement of the reformist, athlete-focused group led by Wijayasinghe was widely viewed as the decisive factor in overcoming the rival camp headed by former Olympian Sunil Gunawardene.
His extensive administrative influence and decades of experience were instrumental in rallying support for what was expected to usher in a new era of governance centred on athlete welfare and structural reform.
Just months later, however, that alliance appears to have unravelled.
“The Vision We Shared No Longer Exists”
Speaking following his resignation, Jayaweera acknowledged his role in bringing the present administration to power but revealed that fundamental differences over policy and development had made his continued involvement impossible.
“It is true that I played the behind-the-scenes role in bringing the current Sri Lanka Athletics administration into office,” Jayaweera said.
“However, as time passed, I realised that the objectives I had hoped to achieve through this committee were no longer possible because the administration had chosen to pursue a different path.”
He expressed particular concern over what he described as the absence of a coherent strategy to improve opportunities for athletes and coaches outside the country’s main training centres.
“It became evident to me that the current administration has no clear vision to improve the standards of athletes and coaches at district level. Under those circumstances, I felt it was appropriate to step aside,” he added.
Marginalised Within the Administration
Although serving in a voluntary capacity on the Executive Committee, Jayaweera said he had gradually become excluded from key discussions concerning the future direction of Sri Lanka Athletics.
“The leadership was no longer seeking my input regarding important decisions or the future development of athletics,” he explained.
“I was rarely consulted on the federation’s activities, and I realised it was time to allow them to continue with the agenda they believe is best for Sri Lankan athletics.”
Consequently, he submitted his resignation to President Bimal Wijayasinghe, ending his brief association with the administration he had helped establish.
Growing Signs of Internal Instability
Jayaweera’s resignation represents the second high-profile departure from the Executive Committee in less than three months.
Former General Secretary Madhawa Bandara Senarath resigned in April, only weeks after taking office. While the resignation was officially attributed to personal reasons, sources within athletics indicated that internal disagreements had contributed to his decision.
Assistant Secretary General Aloy Wickramasinghe subsequently assumed duties as Acting General Secretary.
Jayaweera also suggested that additional resignations could follow in the coming weeks.
According to him, Vice President Jayantha Siyamudali has already tendered his resignation, while respected athletics coach Y.K. Kularatne is also expected to step down, potentially deepening the administrative uncertainty within the federation.
President Responds
Responding to the developments, Sri Lanka Athletics President Bimal Wijayasinghe confirmed receiving Jayaweera’s resignation letter.
While acknowledging the veteran administrator’s decision, Wijayasinghe declined to comment on the reasons behind the resignation.
“In any democratic organisation, every official has the right both to serve and to resign,” he said, refraining from elaborating further on the circumstances surrounding Jayaweera’s departure.
A Crucial Period for Sri Lankan Athletics
The latest developments come at a critical time for Sri Lanka Athletics, with several major international competitions approaching and growing expectations surrounding the country’s emerging generation of athletes.
The successive resignations of senior officials have inevitably raised questions regarding the federation’s internal cohesion, governance stability, and long-term strategic direction.
Whether the current administration can restore confidence and maintain its reform agenda amid mounting internal challenges is likely to remain one of the defining issues for Sri Lankan athletics in the months ahead.
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