New Sports Minister proposes appointment of Sports Ombudsman 

Sport Minister Harin Fernando

The newly appointed Minister of Sports Harin Fernando yesterday proposed the appointment of a Sports Ombudsman to resolve issues faced by Sri Lankan athletes.

Addressing an event the Minister said the Sports Ombudsman would be present at the Sports Ministry daily to engage with athletes and address their concerns. “Given the persistent issues in over 60 federations, the Minister and officials are finding it challenging to address the problems faced by athletes. Hence, a Sports Ombudsman will be appointed specifically to address the concerns of our athletes,” he explained.

The Sports Minister emphasised that he assumed this role not to shield any individual, underscoring his commitment to a substantial task and the responsibility to implement specific changes.

Emphasising that he is not solely a cricket minister, he affirmed his commitment to the development of all sports.

Addressing the ban imposed by the International Cricket Council, Minister Fernando assured that essential changes would be implemented in consultation with the ICC to uplift cricket in Sri Lanka.