Issues over sports bodies come to Parliament

Wednesday, 6 March 2013 00:13 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Ashwin Hemmathagama – Our Lobby Correspondent

Measures to eliminate 13 serious issues, which hindered the growth, standards and reputation of the country and challenged justice and equity of all sports in Sri Lanka over the past 40 years, were brought in front of the House yesterday, published in Gazette Extraordinary No. 1793/3 of 15 January 2013 amending the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973.

Elaborating on the 13 measures, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage said: “Removing the limitation to hold office at sports clubs has been extended from one year to two years for each term, enabling the office-bearers to do some productive work. However, the maximum number of years a person can hold office for in a sports club will be limited to six years. Elections will be transparent and sports goods importers and dealers will not be allowed to contest or hold positions. Trainers will also be unable to hold office.

“Those who violate visa rules of other countries during official visits will also be disqualified to hold office. Those who have direct or indirect relations to betting or gambling, representatives of media institutions, and persons who are found guilty and punished by court of law will no longer be able to contest for positions in sports clubs. The nomination process has also been regularised to avoid disappearance of documents and to give equal opportunity. Foreign remittances received at sports clubs should also be transparent and has to be accountable when it comes to utilisation.”

“Although the above measures were taken in principle, we are unable to prohibit politicians from holding positions as a result of the judgment given by the Supreme Court in response to a filing made by Member of Parliament Arjuna Ranathunga. But we are also looking at finding ways to void this judgment and are in discussion with the Attorney General,” added Minister Aluthgamage.

In response, MP Ranathunga stated that holding positions in a sports club is nothing more than a basic “human right”.