Four Members of National Olympic Committee’s Media Committee Resign

Four of the five members of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka’s Media Committee, including its chairman, have resigned, citing concerns over internal issues and restrictions on their work.

The former members announced their resignations at a media briefing held on November 10, explaining the reasons behind their decision to step down.

Former Media Committee Chairman Asanka Ariyachandra said that he had formally submitted his resignation letter to the National Olympic Committee, along with the resignation letters of the other members.

He said the media briefing was organised to explain the circumstances that led to their decision.

According to Ariyachandra, the Media Committee faced restrictions on communicating information to the media, as approval from the Executive Committee was required before making certain public statements.

He also claimed that the committee had requested a meeting with the National Olympic Committee to discuss several concerns but had not received an opportunity to hold the meeting as requested.

One of the key issues raised was a series of concerns regarding possible irregularities involving airline tickets. Ariyachandra said the matter had already surfaced in the media and questioned why concerns about alleged irregularities and corruption within the organisation were not being properly addressed.

He further alleged that the Media Committee had come under considerable pressure and said its members ultimately decided to leave the organisation with dignity.

Ariyachandra also raised questions about individuals travelling overseas to attend sporting competitions despite, according to him, not being members of the relevant committee. He questioned how such individuals were able to occupy seats at the head table during official events.

Meanwhile, Dr. Lalisha Kahatapitiya, representing the Anti-Doping Agency, stressed that their primary objective was to protect and safeguard sports.

He said the Media Committee was responsible for providing the media with information about sporting events and competitions, adding that there was little purpose in holding such positions if information had to be obtained through other channels.

The former members emphasised that their decision was not intended to protect the chairman or secretary of the National Olympic Committee, but rather to safeguard the institution itself.

They also expressed concern that questions surrounding airline ticket arrangements continued to surface without being adequately resolved.

The four resignations mark a significant development within the National Olympic Committee’s media administration, with the former members maintaining that their decision was taken in the interests of protecting the integrity of sports and the organisation.