Football elections to be held in Galle, Kandy and Polonnaruwa today

By Susil Premalal

Arrangements have been finalised by the Department of Sports Development and the Election Committee for the election of office-bearers for Football Sri Lanka (FSL) to be held in Galle, Kandy and Polonnaruwa today (30) commencing at 1:30 p.m.  

Following the regulations of the Director General of Health Services and Covid-19 protocols, the football leagues in the Western, Southern and Uva Provinces will vote at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. Those representing the Central, North Western and Sabaragamuwa leagues will vote at Pallekelle Cricket Stadium while the North Central, Northern and Eastern leagues will vote at the National Sports Complex in Polonnaruwa.  

Today is the final date to hold FSL elections which were postponed five times because of the travel restrictions in the country. If national sports associations failed to conduct elections, the Department of Sports Development could take charge of administering the respective sport in the country.   A total of 186 officials representing 62 football leagues are eligible to cast their preference.  

Retired judges Rohini Marasinghe, Sisira Ratnayake and Sarojini Weerawardena are overseeing the elections in the three different venues.  

The counting of votes will be done in each venue. 

 
The two main contenders for the FSL presidency are incumbent General Secretary Jaswar Umar and Medical Commission Chairman Dr. Manil Fernando.  

Former FSL Ranjith Rodrigo is aligned with Umar and contesting for one of the Vice President posts while incumbent FSL President Anura de Silva is in Dr. Fernando’s camp and vying for the post of General Secretary.  
Umar is confident of victory claiming he is assured of 124 to 129 votes. He is coming forward with plans to ‘Restart Football.  

Kalutara District Football League President Dr. Manil Fernando campaigned under the theme ‘Football First – Let’s Play.

 “I have the support of 43 leagues. I am confident my team will win,” said Dr. Fernando.