In a landmark ruling that underscores the need for accountability in sports administration, the Colombo High Court has sentenced former Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and former Sathosa Chairman Nalin Fernando to 25 years, following their conviction in a high-profile corruption case linked to sports equipment procurement.

The charges stem from a controversial purchase made in the lead-up to the 2015 Presidential Election, where 14,000 Carrom boards and 11,000 checkers (Daam) boards were imported through Sathosa, a state-owned enterprise. These items, intended for distribution to sports clubs, were found to be part of a politically motivated misuse of public funds, causing a staggering loss of over Rs. 53 million to the government.

The verdict follows an extensive investigation and prosecution by the Bribery Commission, which presented compelling evidence showing how the two officials deliberately abused their powers for political gain. The court was told that the procurement was carried out without proper planning or transparent procedures, ultimately turning what should have been grassroots sports development into a tool of electoral manipulation.

The case was initially filed in 2019 under the Permanent High Court Trial-at-Bar, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations and the high level of public interest. Prosecutors argued that the act was a gross violation of public trust and an example of how political interference has historically undermined the development of sports in Sri Lanka.

This judgment sends a strong signal that corruption within the sports sector will not be tolerated. It also reignites public debate about the urgent need for transparency, long-term planning, and independent governance in Sri Lanka’s sports institutions. As the nation looks to build a clean and credible sports culture, this ruling may serve as a turning point in restoring integrity and discipline in sports administration.

In a significant move to overhaul the country’s sports governance, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially replaced the National Sports Associations Regulations No. 01 of 2024 with a stricter and more transparent version titled National Sports Associations Regulations No. 01 of 2025, gazetted on May 21.

The 2025 regulations promise enhanced transparency, accountability, and integrity in Sri Lanka’s sports administration. Here’s a breakdown of the most notable changes:

1. Probation Period for New Federations

Under the 2025 regulations:

• New sports associations will be registered on a 2-year probationary basis, only gaining full registration if they show activity in at least 7 districts.
• The 2024 rules allowed immediate full registration with just documentation and a Rs. 50,000 fee. The new regulations reduce the fee to Rs. 30,000, but require a presence in at least 3 districts at registration, with expansion to 7 for permanent status.

2. New Eligibility Criteria for Executive Committees

• Professional Qualifications Introduced: For key posts like Treasurer, candidates must now be Chartered Accountants or hold degrees in management or commerce.
• For other executive roles, candidates must have either represented Sri Lanka or placed at recognized national-level events or have 15 years in relevant professions (law, medicine, sports science, engineering, accounting).

This marks a shift from the 2024 rules, which mainly emphasized finance-related qualifications but lacked performance or academic requirements.

3. Term Limits Tightened

• Previously, individuals could serve up to 16 years (with 8 years max for roles like President/Secretary). Now, the limit is 12 years across all roles—whether continuously or intermittently.
• Importantly, interim committee service is now counted toward this limit, preventing career-long occupation of executive positions.

4. Disqualification Criteria Expanded

The 2025 law significantly strengthens the integrity standards for sports administrators by expanding the disqualification criteria. Key additions and clarifications include:

• Convictions under Amended Sports Law or Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act: Anyone found guilty under these updated laws is automatically disqualified.
• Misconduct Proven by Sports Authorities: Any individual found guilty of financial misconduct, corruption, or disciplinary offences by a formal committee appointed by the Minister, Ministry of Sports, or Department of Sports Development will be disqualified.
• Criminal Convictions: Any person convicted of money laundering, bribery, or corruption and sentenced to 6 months or more.
• Media Conflicts: Former journalists, media owners, or key shareholders are barred if involved within the past two years.
• Relatives of National Athletes: Spouses, parents, and siblings of national pool athletes are disqualified.
• Involvement in Betting, Match-Fixing, or Human Trafficking
• Failure to Return from International Duty: Individuals who absconded while representing Sri Lanka are barred.
• Politicians Disqualified: Current MPs, Provincial Council members, and Local Government representatives are ineligible.
• This overhaul reflects a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, conflict of interest, and unprofessional conduct in Sri Lankan sports governance.

The 2024 law also had disqualifications, but 2025’s list is clearer, stricter, and more enforceable.

5. Stricter Election & Voting Rules

• Voting rights are tied to active participation in national events. Associations failing to attend three consecutive meetings lose voting privileges.
• All AGM documentation must be sent 14 days in advance to all affiliates (reduced from 21 days in 2024).
• New members cannot vote in the AGM where they were admitted—ensuring stability.

6. More Transparency in Selections

• All selection trials and criteria must be published 28 days in advance and informed to athletes 14 days prior.
• Final selection results must be published online.
• Trials conducted at the personal discretion of officials or coaches can be invalidated.

7. New Emphasis on Local Development

• National Associations are now mandated to:
  • Promote the sport in every province
  • Maintain monthly meetings (with school reps present)
  • Submit a 5-year strategic plan
  • Develop regional, district and provincial structures in all GN divisions

This is a substantial shift from the previous framework which focused more on organizational formalities than grassroots development.

8. International Participation Regulated

• Only athletes approved by the Sports Minister after going through the selection, fitness, and medical vetting can use “Sri Lanka” or national colours abroad.
• Unauthorized representation may result in a 10-year suspension.

Editorial Insight

The 2025 regulations represent a paradigm shift—from a loosely monitored setup to a system that rewards merit, ensures compliance, and is prepared to discipline violators. It’s the boldest attempt in recent years to clean up Sri Lanka’s sports governance, aligning it more closely with international standards and public expectations.

Ritzbury, one of Sri Lanka’s leading supporters of youth athletics, proudly honoured five exceptional athletes and their coaches for their remarkable performances at the 6th Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The felicitation ceremony was held on May 2nd at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, under the banner of Ritzbury’s signature initiative, Mawbimata Weerayek (A Hero to the Nation).

Out of the eight Sri Lankan medalists at the continental event, five belong to the Mawbimata Weerayek program, showcasing the success of Ritzbury’s long-term investment in grassroots athletic development. These young athletes, who carried the nation’s hopes with pride, were not only felicitated with awards but also received financial support to further their sporting journeys.

Among the honourees was M.G.T. Abhisheka Premasiri, who brought home Sri Lanka’s only Gold medal in the Girls’ 800m and added a Silver in the medley relay. Dananjana Sewmini Fernando shone with two Silvers—one in the 100m sprint and another in the medley relay. Meanwhile, H.D. Shavindu Avishka (800m), G.D. Lahiru Achintha (1500m), and J.H.P. Nethya Sampath (High Jump) earned Bronze medals, contributing to Sri Lanka’s highest-ever medal tally at the championship.

Recognising the vital role of coaching, Ritzbury also paid tribute to the five national coaches behind this success: Buddhika Nuwan, Anuradha Nanayakkara, R.H.M. Jude Chinthaka, K.H.A.D.S.I. Kularathna, and Suranjith Senarath. Their guidance, discipline, and preparation were applauded as critical to transforming potential into podium finishes.

Speaking at the event, Kamal Geeganage (CEO) and Niluksha Bastiansz (General Manager – Marketing, CBL Foods International) expressed their pride and reaffirmed Ritzbury’s long-standing commitment to national athletics. They highlighted that the Mawbimata Weerayek program, launched in 2019, now supports 65 young talents across Sri Lanka with financial aid and mentorship, aiming to elevate Sri Lankan athletics on both national and international stages.

With their eyes now set on bigger global competitions, these young athletes symbolize a bright future for Sri Lankan athletics. Initiatives like Mawbimata Weerayek not only bring recognition but also lay the foundation for long-term sporting excellence.