Athletics: Maj. Gen. Fernando to run for NOC Presidency

Maj. Gen. (retd) Palitha Fernando is to contest for the Presidency of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), after Rohan Fernando, who was beaten to the post last time by the incumbent president Suresh Subramaniam, pulled out of the race.

This means Maj. Gen. Fernando, who already wears many hats, including that of Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife and Forest Conservation, is also pitted against Subramaniam--a former tennis player and sports administrator, who is currently serving his first term as NOCSL president.

Maj. Gen. Fernando is the President of the Sri Lanka Athletics and also serves as a vice president of the NOCSL, after being elected to the post from the opposing camp.

"Yes, I will be contesting," the retired army officer confirmed.

The election of office bearers for the next four-year term will be held on December 28, with nominations to be closed 14 days prior to December 14.

Subramaniam mustered massive support last time with 18 votes casted in favour of him while (Rohan) Fernando had the support of 12 associations, much fewer than they anticipated in the run-up to the bitterly contested poll.

Given the support he has rallied over the last three years in office, Subramaniam could win his second term handsomely, unless there’s a major shift in power among the voting members.

There is no rigorous campaigning, unlike the previous time where both parties traded allegations. 

Even if these resurface, they are unlikely to have much impact on the final outcome given how the Ministry of Sports has repeatedly turned a blind eye and failed to investigate any claims for reasons best known to them.

Maj. Gen. Fernando will forward a strong list of candidates to fill up the Executive Committee. 

They have vowed to clean the stable and respect principles of good governance, transparency and accountability. 

While these are honorary positions, they come with great financial and other benefits. 

This is why members show an unprecedented level of ambition to get in, even flinging money about to win the race.

Maxwell de Silva, who has been the Secretary General of the NOCSL since 2009, will contest once again, seeking a third term. 

De Silva said they would forward a strong list of candidates to fill the 12 positions in the Executive Committee.