Security Liaison Officer for Lankan athletes

By Susil Premalal - Reporting from Birmingham   

The Commonwealth Games Association of Sri Lanka (CGASL) has decided to appoint a Security Liaison Officer, who will oversee the 161-member Sri Lankan contingent at the 22nd Commonwealth Games, which begins on Friday in Birmingham, England.   

This is the first time that Sri Lanka has appointed a security liaison officer for a sports event held at home or even at an overseas meet.   

The Sri Lankan contingent includes 50 Men, 60 Women and a total of 51 coaches and officials.   

The breakdown of the Sri Lankan athletes are track and field (6), Badminton (6), Boxing (8), gymnastics (8), Judo (5), Squash (4), Wrestling (6), Weightlifting (10), Basketball (8), Beach Volleyball (4), T20 Cricket (15), Rugby sevens (26), Para Athletic (1) and Swimming (3).   

The main reason to appoint a security liaison officer is to prevent the Sri Lankan sportsmen and sportswomen, officials and coaches from overstaying or from disappearing after the Games.   

In fact, some of the other leading countries participating in the Commonwealth Games have also brought in their own security personnel to avoid the disappearance of their athletes.   

All members of the Sri Lankan contingent will have their England visa valid for a period of 180 days.