If the joint party including immediate past President Umar Jasver, former President Ranjith Rodrigo and former senior vice President Dr. Manil Fernando are given the power of football administration during Football Sri Lanka (FSL) elections for 2023-2027, there will be no other party for more than 36 years, Anura de Silva, a former FSL President and Polgahawela Football League President said.   

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Arrangements have been made to hold elections for the once banned FSL under the supervision of FIFA and AFC on September 29 at 3.30 pm at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute.   

For that, two parties one under Jasver, Ranjith and Manil and under the leadership of Anuradapura Football League President Dacshitha Sumathipala, submitted nominations, but the nominations of four candidates, including President candidate Sumathipala, have been rejected by the Election and Appeal Committees.   

Anura De Silva said that according to the FIFA constitution, one person can hold the position for three terms for four years each (12 years in a row) and accordingly, Jasver, Ranjith and Manil have agreed to hold the FSL President post for 36 consecutive years.   

“An honest group without corruption has come forward to represent Sumathipala Group”.  

“More than 40 football leagues have already expressed their willingness to support”.   

“There are other groups as floating votes. We believe that they will join us in the future,” said the former Sri Lanka captain.   

Anura de Silva added that he supports Sumathipala and does not expect any perks and if the party asks for administrative support after coming to power, it will be decided on a case-by-case basis.   

He added they have no faith in the FSL Election Committee and Appeal Committee appointed by the Jasver faction. (Susil Premalal)