News

NOCSL membership decides on early elections

Published

1 month ago

December 17, 2024

editor

The General Membership of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), during its Special General Assembly (SGA), resolved to conduct elections for new office-bearers no later than March 31, 2025.

This decision aligns with the NOCSL Constitution and the Olympic cycle of 2025–2028. The resolution is a critical step to address ongoing internal disputes and restore operational stability.

The SGA was convened as per the NOCSL Constitution, following requests from a majority of Executive Board Members and National Member Federations. This meeting comes in response to prolonged conflicts within the Executive Board, marked by divisions and mutual allegations that have significantly disrupted the NOCSL’s operations and its support for sporting activities.

Despite multiple attempts to mediate and unify the Board, these efforts have regrettably not succeeded. Recognising the gravity of the situation, the General Membership deliberated on warnings issued by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).

The decision to call for early elections aims to address these concerns, appoint a new committee for the Olympic cycle and chart a clear path forward. The membership expressed their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of Sri Lankan athletes and upholding the integrity of the NOCSL.

Early elections were identified as the first crucial step to resolve the crisis and meet the governance expectations set forth by the IOC and OCA.

The resolution to conduct elections was supported by 23 National Member Federations with one opposing and two abstained.

“The athletes are at the heart of the Olympic Movement and their interests must take precedence over individual agendas. This election is essential to protect their future and restore the NOCSL’s credibility,” said a representative of the Member Federations.

The NOCSL is committed to ensuring a smooth and transparent electoral process in alignment with the principles of good governance and the Olympic Charter.

This election is viewed as a turning point for the NOCSL, paving the way for a revitalised organisation capable of effectively supporting sports development in Sri Lanka and regaining the trust of international partners.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Bird deaths in Beira : NARA to submit report

Published

2 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

The National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has initiated an investigation over the recent spate of bird deaths at Colombo’s Beira Lake and a report is to be submitted within 03 days.

Over the last few days, over 30 carcasses of ducks and geese have been found dead in the vicinity of the lake and residents claim that the deaths were reported after chemicals were added to the lake to reduce its odor.

Meanwhile, Colombo Municipal Council’s (CMC) Chief Veterinary Officer, Mohamed Ijas has confirmed that bird flu has been ruled out but had been unable to verify claims about chemicals being the cause.

News

Awareness programme on e-NIC held

Published

2 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

An awareness programme to introduce the process and discuss issues related to the Electronic National Identity Card (e-NIC) was held yesterday (Jan. 24) at the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA), Colombo. The event was conducted under the patronage of Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne.

The session aimed to address key challenges and operational aspects of the e-NIC project, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas and identify solutions. The Chief Advisor to the President on Digital Economy and the Chairman of ICTA Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya, along with ICTA Director, Sanjaya Karunasena, also participated in the programme, contributing valuable insights to the discussion.

This initiative marks a significant step in streamlining the implementation of e-NICs and ensuring a smooth rollout for citizens, aligning with the President’s vision for a digitally empowered economy.

(President’s Media Division)

News

Air Vice Marshal Vasu to lead SLAF

Published

5 hours ago

January 25, 2025

editor

Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Currently serving as the SLAF’s Director General of Planning, Edirisinghe brings extensive experience to the role. A native of Kandy and an alumnus of St. Sylvester’s College, he joined the SLAF as an Officer Cadet in 1991 and was commissioned as a Pilot Officer in 1993.

Initially trained on the SF 260 Warrior, he transitioned to rotary-wing aircraft due to a shortage of helicopter pilots. After completing training on Bell 206/212/412 helicopters, he was operationally cleared for flying duties and served in utility operations in the North and East of the country.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.Air Vice Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe is set to become the next Commander of the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), succeeding Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, who will retire on January 29.

Edirisinghe will take over as the 20th Commander of the SLAF.