FINA suspends newly-elected aquatic committee of Sri Lanka

FINA, the international swimming federation that governs the sport, has suspended the newly elected committee of the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) and has decided to retain its links to aquatic activities in Sri Lanka through the existing office bearers prior to the conduct of elections.

SLASU is the Sri Lankan affiliate national federation of FINA since 1977.

According to the General Secretary of the sports union, SLASU following a FINA directive has postponed the conduct of the Annual General Meeting and elections scheduled for 15 May informing the Minister, its membership, nominees and delegates.

However, a section of its member clubs seizing this opportunity conducted the elections to the acceptance of an observer of the Department of Sports Development.

In response FINA has sent an official delegate to meet with the Sports Minister, sports authorities and other stakeholders and report to the FINA Executive.

FINA’s Executive Director Cornel Marculescu in a letter to Minister of Sports and Tourism Navin Dissanayake noted that from the evaluation of the facts, documentation and meetings, the election on 15 May did not respect the principle of autonomy.

FINA has suspended the newly elected board members (appointed by the Ministry) keeping the existing office bearers under the direct control of FINA, until Sri Lanka conducts new elections with the supervision of FINA and without the interference of the Ministry. FINA advised that another election occur under the supervision of a FINA delegate to ensure the compliance with FINA Rule BL 14. The new elections shall be conducted after the amendment of the Sri Lanka Sports Law 1973 and Regulations by the Sri Lanka Ministry of Tourism and Sports.