Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) is poised for a rare three-cornered contest for its presidency at the upcoming 2025–2027 elections, marking a shift in the federation’s leadership dynamics under newly introduced sports governance reforms.
Following the close of nominations on July 29, the field has narrowed to three contenders — former SLA President and national coach Sunil B. Gunawardana, Mercantile Athletics chief K.A. Prasanna Indika, and retired DIG Upali Kumarasiri, the current chair of the National Selection Committee.
The election, set to take place on August 18 at SLA headquarters, comes in the wake of Sports Ministry regulations that bar long-serving officials from re-contesting.
The rule change has cleared the path for both fresh leadership and seasoned returnees.
In other key races, Dr. Dammika Senanayake of the Institute of Sports Medicine will go head-to-head with veteran coach Madhawa Bandara Senarath for the post of Secretary.
Meanwhile, H.R.K. Hewage will be elected unopposed as Treasurer, and Sanjeewa Malinga Jayasingha has secured the Assistant Treasurer position without contest.
However, the run-up to the AGM has not been without controversy.
The SLA Election Committee, chaired by retired High Court Judge Wimal Nambuwasam, has ruled five member organisations ineligible to vote—among them, Masters Athletics Sri Lanka, Nationalised Services, and the district associations of Mullaitivu, Kilinochchi, and Ampara.
Their disqualification stems from failure to field athletes at either the National Championships or Junior Nationals, a criterion newly mandated by the Sports Ministry to ensure voting rights are limited to active, contributing bodies.
Initially, 11 affiliates faced disqualification, but six successfully appealed by presenting proof of participation.
A senior Sports Ministry official defended the move, stating that it is part of a broader effort to prevent dormant organisations from exerting undue influence over national sports governance.
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