Sri Lanka’s Sports Ministry has refuted claims that the term of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has been extended.
Issuing a statement, the ministry clarified that the Minister of Sport or the Ministry of Sport cannot and had not extended the term of Sri Lanka Cricket as erroneously reported in the media.
The Sports Ministry further said that any Sports Federation must have an election in terms of the provisions of its constitution in electing office-bearers.
Furthermore, the ministry revealed that at present a Committee has been appointed by the Cabinet to draft a new Constitution for SLC headed by retired Supreme Court judge, K T Chithrasiri and once ready the said draft will be presented to the Cabinet.
“On 3rd May 2024 Regulations were published in the Gazette Number 2382/32 dated 03/05/2024 with regard to all Sports Federations. The said Regulations were published after months of consultations with the stakeholders. Most of the Federations suggested that the term limits as set out earlier create a problem in grooming leadership. Earlier the term of office for a President was 4 years (brought down from 8) and an Exco member was 8 years. These regulations have been challenged in court. The Regulations apply to all levels (District and Provincial), the Sports Ministry said.
Stating that most sports are unable to find office bearers, the ministry disclosed that therefore the maximum term of office for President or Secretary has been set out as 8 years, while the term of office for Exco members in any capacity is a maximum period of 16 years.
“The new regulations have also restricted the office bearers to one sports federation. Earlier regulations were ambiguous. However, any Federation can limit the term of office within those maximum terms in their respective constitution,” the Sports Ministry added. (Newswire)