Government Halts Operations of Three National Sports Bodies Amid Governance Concerns
August 26, Colombo (LNW): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has formally suspended the operations of three national-level sports federations in Sri Lanka, citing the need for urgent administrative reforms and regulatory compliance.
The suspension, which came into effect on August 25, 2025, affects the governing bodies for Athletics, Table Tennis, and Gymnastics.
The decision was formalised through an Extraordinary Gazette, issued under the authority of Sections 32 and 33 of the Sports Law No. 25 of 1973, along with its subsequent amendments.
This legislation empowers the Ministry to intervene when national sports associations are found to be in breach of governance standards or when structural reforms are deemed necessary.
As part of the directive, the Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been designated as the interim competent authority. This official will now assume responsibility for the day-to-day affairs and overall administration of the three affected bodies until new leadership is democratically elected in accordance with revised and approved constitutions.
