Sports Ministry to probe Sri Lanka’s Birmingham fiasco

Para Athlete Palitha Bandara, weightlifter Dilanka Isuru Kumara, and wrestler Nethmi Ahinsa receiving their commemorative plates from Secretary Sports Ministry Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva , NOC President Suresh Subramaniam, Group Manager Marketing of Crysbo Amores Sellar and other invitees (Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe)  

By Susil Premalal  

The Sports Ministry has decided to launch a special inquiry over the incident where members and officials of the Sri Lankan contingent decamped during the 22nd Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England recently.
Secretary, Ministry of Sports Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva said that the inquiry will be conducted under the direction of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), National Sports Council and the Ministry of Sports through an independent panel.

He made these observations while participating as the Chief Guest at the felicitation ceremony for the Sri Lankan Commonwealth Games medallists, held at the NOCSL Auditorium in Colombo yesterday.

A total of 12 members including officials of the Sri Lankan Commonwealth Games contingent disappeared, while bringing severe disrepute to the island nation.

The Sports Ministry Secretary further added that stern measures will be taken against those athletes and officials who decamped once the inquiry is accomplished by the independent panel.   

Commonwealth Games Silver Medallist and Para Athlete Palitha Bandara, Bronze Medallists Dilanka Isuru Kumara, (weightlifting), Yupun Abeykoon (athletics) and Nethmi Ahinsa (wrestling) were felicitated at this ceremony.

Meanwhile, NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam commended Sri Lanka’s performances at the Commonwealth Games where the team finished in 31st place out of 72 countries.

He also praised the Crysbro Next Champ Programme for playing a major role in helping the Sri Lankan youth sportsmen and sportswomen to achieve their goals.