News

FFSL Financial Issues and Governance Decisions Continue to Be Ignored

Published

6 months ago

November 20, 2024

Editor

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka’s (FFSL) governance practices remain under scrutiny, with recent revelations indicating that several critical financial and administrative issues highlighted in the Ministry’s audit report have not been adequately addressed. Despite directives from the FFSL Finance Committee meeting on July 10, 2024, little progress has been made in resolving these issues, raising concerns about accountability and transparency within the organization.

Key Issues Highlighted:

Unpaid Media Rights Payment of USD 10,000
The Ministry’s audit noted a missing payment of USD 10,000 for media rights related to the SAFF Sri Lanka match, which public service media confirmed had not been received. The Finance Committee instructed that the matter be resolved promptly, yet there has been no confirmation of any progress or reimbursement to date.
Zolo Football Purchase Payment
The purchase of Zolo footballs for LKR 12,775,000 from Ceylon Professional Sports Management (CPSM) remains unresolved. Made without a financial guarantee from the vendor and violating tender procedures, the Finance Committee directed that either the footballs be delivered or the funds recovered. If not resolved, the matter was to be escalated to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), but no action has been reported.
Unpaid Sponsorship Payment of USD 30,000
A sponsorship payment of USD 30,000 from Public Service Media (PSM) for the Mahinda Rajapakse Trophy remains unaccounted for, as highlighted in the audit. While the Finance Committee emphasized the importance of addressing this, there have been no updates on its resolution.
Unsettled Payment of LKR 388,940 to a Former Staff Member
The Finance Committee instructed the Deputy Secretary to send an email or letter demanding the payment of LKR 388,940 owed by a former staff member or initiate legal action. However, it was recently discovered that the individual in question served as a commentator for the Sri Lanka vs. Yemen match. This blatant disregard for FFSL committee decisions highlights a governance failure, with crucial directives seemingly ignored.

Governance Concerns

The repeated disregard of Finance Committee directives raises significant concerns about the internal governance and accountability within the FFSL. Despite clear instructions, unresolved financial irregularities and administrative lapses continue to undermine the organization’s credibility and its commitment to transparency.

The lack of decisive action not only casts doubt on FFSL’s leadership but also threatens to erode trust in Sri Lanka’s football administration. Immediate corrective measures are essential to ensure the organization adheres to its governance principles and maintains the integrity of the sport in the country.

As stakeholders await updates, it is imperative for the FFSL to demonstrate accountability and take concrete steps to resolve these pressing issues.

News

Awareness Media Briefing on New Sports Regulations

Published

10 hours ago

May 30, 2025

Editor

A special media briefing on the new regulations under the Sports Act was held on May 30, 2025, at the Department of Government Information, with the aim of raising public awareness on the upcoming changes to Sri Lanka’s sports governance framework.

The event featured key officials from the Ministry of Youth and Sports, including:

Sunil Kumara Gamagedara – Minister of Youth and Sports
Sugath Thilakaratne – Deputy Minister of Sports
Aruna Bandara – Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports
Shemal Fernando – Director General of Sports
Priyantha Ekanayake – Chairman, National Sports Council

These leaders addressed the media on the impact, scope, and enforcement of the new regulations, highlighting their importance in ensuring transparency, accountability, and modernization in Sri Lanka’s sports sector.

Cricket

Nuwan Thushara Shines as RCB Storms into IPL 2025 Final

Published

1 day ago

May 30, 2025

Editor

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) booked their place in the grand finale of IPL 2025 with an emphatic 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 2, chasing down 102 runs in just 10 overs. The match, held in Ahmedabad, saw RCB continue their dominant form in the playoffs, with Sri Lanka’s very own Nuwan Thushara making his presence felt on the biggest T20 franchise stage.

Thushara, who has been a consistent figure in RCB’s bowling attack, picked up a crucial wicket in the Qualifier 1 against Lucknow Super Giants and has steadily built a reputation as a reliable powerplay bowler. His unique slingy action and accuracy have made him a fan favourite in Bengaluru and among Sri Lankan cricket fans. Although he took just 1 wicket in the latest game, his economical spells have contributed significantly to RCB’s campaign.

RCB’s victory against PBKS came on the back of a brilliant bowling effort, bundling Punjab out for a mere 101. RCB’s top order made light work of the target, finishing the chase with 60 balls to spare – the most dominant playoff win in IPL history in terms of balls remaining.

Sri Lanka’s IPL participation this year has been headlined by Nuwan Thushara, whose breakthrough season is setting the tone for more Lankan stars to shine in the league. His performance is also a testament to the growing impact of Sri Lankan pace bowlers in franchise cricket worldwide.

RCB will now face either Gujarat Titans or Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2025 Final on June 3rd at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Thushara is expected to play a key role as RCB aims to secure their maiden IPL title.

As the cricketing world gears up for a blockbuster final, Sri Lankan fans will be cheering on Thushara, hoping he brings IPL glory back to Bengaluru – and pride to Sri Lanka.

Cricket

Galle Marvels Owner Sentenced in Match-Fixing Case Under Sri Lanka’s Sports Offences Law

Published

2 days ago

May 29, 2025

Editor

In a landmark ruling under Sri Lanka’s Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, Indian businessman Prem Thakkar, the franchise owner of Lanka T10 League side Galle Marvels, has been handed a suspended prison sentence for attempting to fix a match during the 2024 tournament.

Thakkar pleaded guilty to a match-fixing charge and was sentenced by the Kandy High Court to two years of rigorous imprisonment, suspended for 10 years. He was also ordered to pay a Rs. 6 million fine and Rs. 1 million in compensation.

The charges stem from an incident in December 2024, when Thakkar allegedly approached West Indies cricketer Andre Fletcher with an offer to influence the outcome of a Lanka T10 League match involving the Galle Marvels. The case was investigated by the ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s Special Investigation Unit for Sports-Related Offences.

The court further permitted the ICC Anti-Corruption Unit to access and analyze data from Thakkar’s mobile device to support ongoing investigations into wider corruption networks.

This conviction marks one of the first high-profile applications of Sri Lanka’s sports-related anti-corruption laws and sends a strong signal about the country’s commitment to upholding integrity in sports. The Prevention of Offences Related to Sports Act, enacted in 2019, criminalizes corruption in sport and provides legal mechanisms to penalize offenders—including jail time and financial penalties.

From a sports governance standpoint, this case underscores the growing necessity for franchise owners and stakeholders to be held accountable under national laws, especially as the popularity of short-format leagues like the Lanka T10 continues to rise.

Thakkar, who has now been granted permission to leave Sri Lanka after settling the financial penalties, becomes the first franchise owner in Lanka T10 history to be convicted under the country’s sports integrity laws.

As Sri Lanka continues to grow as a regional hub for franchise-based cricket, this incident also raises pressing questions for tournament organizers, including Sri Lanka Cricket, on the due diligence applied when awarding team ownerships and the oversight mechanisms in places.