The new regulations introduced by the sports minister will prevent a number of deep-rooted officials from contesting for office in sports associations.
Most incumbent officials of Sri Lanka Cricket cannot hold office any further.
They are president Shammi de Silva, who has already had two tenures, vice president Jayantha Dharmadasa and secretary Mohan de Silva as both are past the age of 70 years, and secretary Mohan de Silva who has been in the executive committee for eight years.
Jaswer Umar yesterday (20) handed in nominations to contest for president of the Football Federation, although he has been named an offender by the ministry’s corruption investigation unit.
Both president Palitha Ferando and secretary Prema Pinnawala of the Athletic Association cannot contest again due to both the age factor and long periods in office.
Twice secretary of the National Olympic Committee Maxwell de Silva too, cannot expect another term.
So do Badminton Association president Rohan de Silva and Wushu Federation chief Manel Dharmakeerthi.
Several others have decided to refrain from contesting again since the new regulations require them to declare their assets and liabilities for the past three years if they contest.
Reactions are mixed for the regulations contained in a gazette notification, with opponents describing them as a grave harm to sports done at the instigation of the minister’s advisor Arjuna Ranatunga.
Several sports associations are contemplating legal action against these regulations, lankasara.com reports.
