News

FFSL Financial Issues and Governance Decisions Continue to Be Ignored

Published

2 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.

Cricket

Sri Lanka U19 Women Secure Dominant Victory Over West Indies in ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Published

1 day ago

January 21, 2025

Editor

In a commanding performance at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, the Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team triumphed over the West Indies U19 Women in their Group A encounter of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 166 for 5 in their allotted 20 overs.

The opening partnership laid a solid foundation, with Sanjana Kavindi scoring 38 off 36 balls and Sumudu Nisansala contributing 19 off 22 deliveries. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara further bolstered the innings with a brisk 37 from 31 balls, while Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 off 25 balls. The West Indies bowlers faced a challenging task, with left-arm spinner Selena Ross emerging as the standout performer, claiming 2 wickets for 25 runs in her four overs.

In response, the West Indies U19 Women struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Regular wickets and tight fielding restricted their scoring opportunities, ultimately leading to a comprehensive victory for Sri Lanka. This win propels Sri Lanka to the top of Group A, enhancing their prospects of advancing to the Super Six stage of the tournament.

The Sri Lankan team’s all-round performance underscores their growing prowess in the international arena, particularly in the U19 category. As the tournament progresses, they will aim to maintain this momentum in their upcoming matches. Cricket enthusiasts can look forward to more thrilling performances from these young athletes as they continue their campaign in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Cricket

Sri Lanka vs Australia Test Series 2025: A Thrilling Battle Awaits

Published

2 days ago

January 20, 2025

Editor

Cricket fans are in for a treat as Sri Lanka hosts Australia for a highly anticipated Test series in January and February 2025. With two Test matches and two ODIs lined up, this tour carries immense significance for both teams as they vie for crucial ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points.

Here’s everything you need to know about this exciting tournament:

Series Schedule

• 1st Test: January 29 – February 2, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 2nd Test: February 6 – 10, 2025, Galle International Stadium

• 1st ODI: February 12, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

• 2nd ODI: February 14, 2025, R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo

Key Highlights and Team Updates

Australia’s Preparations

Australia enters the series with a strong squad bolstered by the return of captain Steve Smith, who has recovered from an elbow injury. Smith’s presence is expected to provide much-needed stability and experience to the team.

However, the absence of left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann due to a thumb injury is a setback. This opens the door for young talent Cooper Connolly, a promising 21-year-old who may make his Test debut.

Selectors have also hinted at a key role for Travis Head, who could open the innings. His recent success in India as a fast-scoring opener makes him an exciting prospect for the spin-friendly conditions of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s Formidable Home Advantage

Sri Lanka has been a dominant force on home soil, with impressive Test wins against England and New Zealand in recent years. Galle International Stadium, known for its spin-friendly pitches, will likely play a decisive role in shaping the series.

Cricket

Kumar Sangakkara to Lead Sri Lanka in International Masters League (IML) 2025

Published

3 days ago

January 19, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka’s cricketing legend Kumar Sangakkara is set to lead the Sri Lankan team in the inaugural International Masters League (IML) 2025, a tournament featuring legendary players from across the world. The tournament, running from February 22 to March 16, 2025, will bring together past cricketing greats in an electrifying T20 format.

Sangakkara Returns to Captaincy

The announcement of Sangakkara as Sri Lanka’s captain has ignited excitement among cricket fans. The former Sri Lanka skipper, who led the national team to the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup final, is widely regarded as one of the greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen in cricket history.

Speaking about his return to competitive cricket, Sangakkara said:
“Cricket has given me so much, and to once again wear the Sri Lankan jersey, alongside some of the best players of our era, is truly special. The IML is a celebration of the sport, and I can’t wait to take the field.”

Tournament Format & Teams

IML 2025 will feature six franchise teams, each captained by a cricketing icon:

Sri Lanka – Kumar Sangakkara
India – Sachin Tendulkar
Australia – Shane Watson
England – Eoin Morgan
West Indies – Brian Lara
South Africa – Jacques Kallis

The competition will take place in India, with matches hosted in Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur.

A Tournament for the Fans

IML 2025 promises to be a thrilling experience for cricket lovers, especially Sri Lankan fans who have long admired Sangakkara’s masterful stroke play and leadership skills. His return to the field is expected to draw massive viewership, as fans eagerly anticipate seeing him in action once again.