Subramaniam secures second term as NOCSL President

National Olympic Council of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) Incumbent President Suresh Subramaniam won a second four-year term in office when he defeated his opponent Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando by nine votes at the quadrennial elections held at the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium yesterday.

Subramaniam (Tennis) polled 21 votes to Fernando’s (Athletics) 12 where 35 national sports associations affiliated to the NOCSL cast their secret ballot.

The four Vice-Presidents posts went to Kanchana Jayaratne (Volleyball) who received 20 votes from Palitha Fernando’s faction, and Nilu Jayathileke (Golf, 20 votes), Joseph Kenny (Yachting, 19) and Suranjith Premadasa (Equestrian, 19) from Subramaniam’s camp.

Maxwell de Silva (Judo) also retained his position as Secretary-General with a 23 to 10 vote win over Mohan Wijesinghe (Badminton).

The Treasurer’s post went to Gamini Jayasinghe (Ski and Snowboarding) from Subramaniam’s camp who defeated Ajith Kumara Siyambalapitiya (Fencing) by 23 votes to 10.

The Assistant Secretary’s and Assistant Treasurer’s posts were uncontested and were retained by Chandana Liyanage (Basketball) and Shirantha Peiris (Shooting) respectively.

The Committee Members elected were: Ruwan Alahakoon (Taekwondo, 23 votes), Sarath Hewavitharana (Wrestling, 22) and Neel Perera (Roller-Skating, 22). (ST)