Shiromala launches counter attack

• Sri Lankan Olympic boxing official fights back against ‘malicious campaign’ on IBA suspension threat 

Celebrated Sri Lankan Olympic boxing referee and Woman Chief Inspector of Police Nelka Shiromala has vowed to clear her name after being targeted in what she describes as a “malicious campaign” orchestrated by officials within the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL). Shiromala, a two-time Olympic referee, faces a potential two-year suspension recommended by the International Boxing Association (IBA) for officiating at a tournament organised by the rival World Boxing (WB) – a body recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Shiromala firmly refutes the allegations, stating, “I have never been officially suspended by IBA, yet certain officials have circulated false information to damage my reputation.

This is nothing short of a targeted smear campaign.” She points out that World Boxing has been provisionally recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), while the IBA is banned by the IOC. Consequently, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) revoked the membership of the Boxing Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) due to its continued affiliation with the IBA. “My standing as an Olympic official remains intact,” said Shiromala, who created history in the 2020 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Games.

Shiromala contends that her participation in WB events is in alignment with the IOC’s current stance and is crucial for the future of Sri Lankan boxing on the global stage. Responding to accusations that she acted without permission, Shiromala clarified, “I sought approval from the BASL President (Anuruddha Shanaka Bandara) and followed all protocols with the Sports Ministry. No one informed me of any restriction. As a law enforcement officer, I know how to follow procedure.”

However, Shiromala expressed dismay over the public release of a confidential Tribunal letter, which fuelled misleading claims that she had already been suspended. “This letter was circulated within the BASL Executive Committee group and then spread by certain officials in whatsapp groups, creating a false narrative,” she stated. 

The Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU) has recommended a two-year suspension, citing her alleged violation of IBA regulations, specifically for not seeking prior approval to participate in the U-19 World Boxing Championship in Colorado from October 25 to November 3, 2024.

The investigation, led by Lebanese legal counsel Manal Rmeity, concluded that Shiromala breached multiple articles of the IBA Code of Conduct. Shiromala also revealed that she was one of 36 officials - including Olympic referees from five continents - investigated by the Boxing Independent Integrity Unit (BIIU).

“I wasn’t alone. This was a global event with top officials. But only in Sri Lanka has this been turned into a scandal,” she said. Shiromala, however, maintains her innocence and underscores the importance of Sri Lanka aligning with World Boxing to protect the country’s athletes from being barred from international competitions like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.

She insists her involvement with World Boxing was driven by a desire to secure future opportunities for Sri Lankan boxers. “The IBA has been banned by the IOC, and World Boxing is the only pathway for our athletes to compete in the Olympics and other international events. World Boxing is now provisionally recognised by the IOC, having 75 member nations including China. Sri Lanka must make a choice to ensure our boxers continue to compete internationally. 

BASL should be focusing on this, not on tearing down officials who are working for the future of the sport,” she argued. Shiromala also revealed that she, along with 36 other officials across five continents, faces the same inquiry.

“World Boxing represents us collectively. I didn’t respond individually because this is a global issue affecting many Olympic referees.” A final hearing is scheduled for April 15, in Geneva, where two lawyers and World Boxing representatives will defend the officials.

Shiromala vowed to pursue legal action under Sri Lanka’s Sports Law and Regulations and seek an inquiry from the Sports Minister. She also plans to involve the Police Media Unit and the Cyber Crimes Unit of the CID to investigate the misinformation campaign against her.

Reflecting on her career, Shiromala notes that her last IBA-affiliated tournament was the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Since the 2021 Women’s World Championship in Turkiye, she has not been invited by the IBA to officiate, yet she has never been banned from any tournaments, local or international. As the BASL Diversity Chairperson,

Shiromala believes that the current smear campaign seeks to remove her from boxing management. “My goal remains unchanged: to serve Sri Lanka as a Technical Official for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and create a pathway for our athletes to compete internationally.

This smear campaign won’t stop me from fighting for what’s right,” Shiromala declared. She also remains steadfast in her commitment to align Sri Lanka with WB, ensuring that the nation’s athletes have the opportunity to compete on the world stage. She urges the Sports Ministry to make a decisive move towards WB to safeguard the future of Sri Lankan boxing.

By: Allaam Ousman