Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Friday, 15 November 2024 00:06 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sports Ministry has set the record straight on its stand on the internal matters within the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) in response to recent media reports.
The Sports Ministry via a statement clarified its stance in alignment with the Fundamental Principles of Olympism, as outlined in the latest edition of the Olympic Charter, effective from 23 July 2024. Principle 5 clearly asserts the political neutrality of the Olympic Movement and grants the rights and obligations of autonomy to its entities. This includes the right to determine their internal governance structures and processes free from external interference, while maintaining adherence to good governance practices.
In addition, Principle 7 of the Olympic Charter mandates that membership in the Olympic Movement is contingent upon compliance with the Charter and recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC has further emphasised that National Olympic Committees (NOCs) are independent entities and are not to be influenced or governed by any government agency, including the Sports Ministry .
The NOCSL Constitution, adopted on 14 December 2020 and endorsed by President and Secretary General, also underscores that all decisions concerning the NOCSL are within the jurisdiction of its Executive Board and General Assembly.
The Sports Ministry requests that all media outlets offer broad coverage of this release to clarify any misconceptions. The Ministry remains committed to respecting the autonomy of the NOCSL and upholding the values of the Olympic Movement.
