News

Long-term sports admin officials ruffled by new gazette

Published

2 years ago

December 26, 2022

editor

A group of officials who have remained in the sports governing bodies for years without giving others an opportunity, have become distressed following a gazette issued by Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe adding several amendments to the Sports Act.

The amendments had prevented those above 70 years of age, those who have held the office of president twice in a row, those who have held various positions for eight years and those who have been convicted of corruption charges from participating in elections for sports governing bodies.

However, it was reported that some officials who have been enjoying many foreign trips and other privileges have met with lawyers to take legal action against the sports minister.

Meanwhile, the election for Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) is scheduled to be held on the 14th and the Sports Ministry has made arrangements to conduct it according to the new regulations.

It was reported to the Sri Lanka Mirror that the decision to limit three ballots for separate leagues to one ballot has become a serious issue for some.

However, Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has also sent a warning to the FFSL election.

This warning was given publicity by some media since there is a risk that Sri Lanka will be banned from international matches and will lose financial support by FIFA.

However, there is talk among those in the football industry that it is surprising that FIFA officials have not said anything about the allegations of arbitrary and unaudited expenses made by former FFSL President Jaswar Umar.

Jaswar is accused of spending $43,000 to buy tickets for the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar and not explaining what happened to those tickets.

Jaswar was found guilty during an investigation conducted by the Sports Ministry’s Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Offences Related to Sports over irregularities that took place during his previous tenure as the Secretary of FFSL.

According to new regulations, such a person cannot contest again. However, the Football Selection Committee has accepted Jaswar’s nomination to contest.

Sri Lankan football is currently ranked 207th among 211 countries in the world football rankings. According to many football commentators, there will be no major impact on the sport if football is banned at the international level. The only thing that will happen is the annual loss of the amount of dollars received by FIFA to the federation.

News

Indian PM Narendra Modi arrives in Sri Lanka (Pics)

Published

6 hours ago

April 4, 2025

editor

Indian Prime Minister – Narendra Modi has arrived in Sri Lanka for a two-day official visit, following an invitation extended by President Anura Kumara Disanayake.

PM Modi’s official X handle states, ” Landed in Colombo. Grateful to the ministers and dignitaries who welcomed me at the airport. Looking forward to the programmes in Sri Lanka.”

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism – Vijitha Herath, along with Minister of Health and Mass Media – Nalinda Jayatissa, Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources – Ramalingam Chandrasekar, Minister of Women and Child Affairs – Saroja Savithri Paulraj, Minister of Science and Technology – Chrishantha Abeysena and Deputy Minister of Economic Development – Anil Jayantha extended a warm and distinguished welcome to the Indian Prime Minister and his delegation.

The Indian Prime Minister is accompanied by India’s Minister of External Affairs – Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor – Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary – Vikram Misri and other senior government officials.

PM Modi’s visit to Sri Lanka is being conducted under the theme “Friendship of Centuries – Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” reaffirming the enduring bond between Sri Lanka and India and their shared commitment to a thriving future.

This marks Indian Prime Minister’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, highlighting the longstanding economic, cultural and historical ties between the two nations. The primary objectives of this State visit are to further strengthen bilateral ties and to enhance multifaceted cooperation between India and Sri Lanka.

During this visit, Prime Minister Modi is expected to hold bilateral talks with President Anura Kumara Disanayake. He is also scheduled to pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and will inaugurate several projects implemented in Sri Lanka with the assistance of the Government of India.

News

Illukpitiya’s bail application rejected

Published

12 hours ago

April 4, 2025

editor

The Supreme Court rejected a bail application filed on behalf of former Controller General of Immigration and Emigration – Harsha Illukpitiya, who is currently in remand custody for contempt of court.The decision was delivered by Supreme Court Justice Achala Wengappuli, with the concurrence of Justices Preethi Padman Surasena and Gamini Amarasekara.

Delivering the decision, the judge stated that a date has already been set for the hearing of the case on May 8.

On September 25, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered Harsha Ilukpitiya to be remanded until the conclusion of the contempt of court proceedings for failing to implement the Court’s order regarding the controversial visa deal. This order was issued against the respondent under Section 9(7) of the Contempt of Court, Tribunal, or Institution Act No. 08 of 2024.

News

Inmate murdered at Boossa Prison

Published

12 hours ago

April 4, 2025

editor

An inmate being held under remand custody at the Boossa High-Security Prison, has been murdered using a sharp weapon.

The deceased inmate has been identified as Nanda Kumar Shivananda (46) and according to reports, he had sustained 11 stab wounds.

Prison authorities suspect that the murder was carried out by another inmate currently serving a prison sentence at the same prison facility,