BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
The Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, has temporarily suspended the registrations of three national sports associations and appointed the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the Competent Authority to oversee their administration.
The decision was formalized through Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 2489/48, issued under the powers vested in the Minister by Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law, No. 25 of 1973 (as amended).
Three Associations Affected
The temporary suspension applies to the following national sports bodies:
- Sri Lanka Handball Association
- Sri Lanka Carrom Federation
- Sri Lanka Hockey Federation
With the publication of the Gazette notification, the administration and management of these organizations have been transferred to the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports with effect from 19 May 2026.
Reason Behind the Move
According to the Extraordinary Gazette, the intervention has been made to facilitate the completion of amendments to the constitutions of the respective sports associations and to ensure that future elections for office bearers are conducted in a transparent, fair and accountable manner.
The Ministry aims to establish stronger governance structures before allowing the organizations to resume operations under newly elected administrations.
Competent Authority to Oversee Operations
During the period of suspension, the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports will function as the Competent Authority and will be responsible for all management, administrative and operational affairs of the three associations.
The appointed authority will continue to exercise these powers until the amended constitutions are finalized, Annual General Meetings are convened, and new office bearers are elected in accordance with the revised constitutional provisions.
Focus on Good Governance
The latest move forms part of broader efforts by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to strengthen governance standards within national sports bodies and promote greater transparency and accountability in their administration.
The Extraordinary Gazette implementing the temporary suspension and appointment of the Competent Authority was signed by Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage and is dated 19 May 2026.
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