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Major Shake-Up in Sports Governance: New 2025 Regulations Reform National Sports Bodies in Sri Lanka

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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.

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Football

CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year

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In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.

Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.

CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:

“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”

SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:

“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”

Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.

As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.

🏆 About the Championship

  • Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
  • Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
  • Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
  • Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
  • Finals Date: December 13, 2025
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Lifebouy Ball Blaster 2025 – Group B Wide Open as Royal, Aligar & Kalutara Battle for Top Spot

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The race for qualification in Group B of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Tournament is heating up, with three top schools still in contention for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Royal College Leads the Pack

Royal College, Colombo currently sits on top of Group B after an impressive 5-0 victory, showcasing both dominance and attacking flair. With two crucial matches left, Royal remains the favorite to finish as group leaders — but the battle is far from over.

Aligar Central’s Mixed Fortunes

Aligar Central College, last year’s runners-up and inaugural Ball Blaster champions, have had a mixed campaign so far. After one win and one narrow loss — the latter coming from an unfortunate own goal — the team still remains firmly in the race for qualification.

Kalutara Muslim Still in the Hunt

Kalutara Muslim Central College, one of the most competitive sides in this year’s tournament, has only played one game so far — securing a 1-0 win. With two matches still to play, they remain a real threat to the current table leaders.

Maris Stella Struggling for Form

Maris Stella College, on the other hand, has had a tough run, losing both their opening fixtures and conceding nine goals in the process. They will now look to finish strong and disrupt the group standings in the remaining matches.

With the Group B stage still wide open, the coming matchdays promise thrilling encounters as Royal, Aligar, and Kalutara fight for the top two quarterfinal spots in the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025.

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Football

Zahira College Colombo Dominate Group A — Gampola Zahira and Darussalam Battle for Second Spot

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The Group A stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship is heating up, with Zahira College Colombo emerging as the clear frontrunner after an unbeaten run in their first two matches. With six points and an impressive 8–2 goal difference, Zahira are well on course to top the group and secure a direct berth to the quarterfinals.

Zahira’s attacking flair and tactical balance have made them one of the most complete teams in this year’s tournament. Their consistent performances have set the tone in Group A, making them strong contenders for the overall title.

Behind them, the battle for the second qualifying spot is intensifying between Darussalam College and Gampola Zahira College. Both teams currently sit on three points each, but Darussalam have played one match more, leaving Gampola Zahira with a crucial game in hand.

Kingswood College, despite showing moments of promise, have struggled to convert opportunities into results and remain winless after three outings.

With two group matches remaining, the race for quarterfinal qualification is expected to go down to the wire. Zahira Colombo, the current Group A leader, will likely face Vaddakkachchi Central College (D2) from Group D in the knockout stage, while the second-placed team will meet Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) — setting up thrilling contests ahead.

SchoolMWLDGSGAGDPoints
Zahira College, Colombo220082+66
Gampola Zahira College110031+23
Darussalam College21105503
Kingswood College3030513-80

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