IOC urges Sri Lanka to fine-tune laws

By Susil Premalal

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) have urged the Ministry of Sports to discuss, review and fine-tune the Sports Law after it came under scrutiny for the second time in Lausanne, Switzerland. The IOC have also coordinated and discussed this with FIFA, as they recently visited Sri Lanka, and other International Sports Federations which have fully supported this approach.

Among the amendment proposals submitted by the IOC are to help all National Sports Federations (NSF) establish harmonious and productive relations with the government authorities as part of the Olympic Agenda 2020. The IOC have also advised that the NOC and the sports organisations in general, should have a mutual understanding of each one’s jurisdiction, role and competences to avoid any undue interference.

James Macleod, Director of Olympic Solidarity and NOC Relations in a communique has requested the Sports Ministry to submit the revised Sports Law in a consolidated format to facilitate their joint work so that they would have a clear picture of what the new Sports Law as a whole will look like.

“We hope this will help you make the Sports Law fully compatible with the principles and rules which govern the Olympic Movement in order to resolve the recurrent issues which have been affecting the Olympic Movement in Sri Lanka for too long,” he added.