Ready for any challenge in NOCSL Presidential Race: Shirantha Peiris

By Susil Premalal

Presidential candidate Shirantha Peiris, representing the current administration of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), says he is confident of facing any challenge in the upcoming election.
“Anyone contesting the NOCSL presidency is a challenge, but I have the strength to face any challenge successfully,” Peiris said at a media briefing held in Colombo.
Peiris, the current Vice President of the NOCSL, is a former international shooting athlete who has won medals at the international level. He is also a respected businessman and sports administrator, and the owner of the Mega Pharma Group of Companies.
The NOCSL election for the 2026–2029 term is scheduled to be held on April 25, with nominations closing on April 11.
According to unofficial sources, several candidates are expected to contest the presidency alongside Peiris, including NOCSL members Jaswar Umar, Asaka Seneviratne, and Deva Henry. Peiris emphasised that while the election is open to all eligible candidates, he does not view the contest as a personal challenge but remains focused on his vision for the future of the Olympic movement in Sri Lanka.
“My goal is to build an Olympic committee that ensures unity, transparency, and equal opportunities for all stakeholders,” he stated.

Key Promises by Shirantha Peiris:

• Unite divisions and differences among all sports associations
• Uphold Olympic values and principles of Olympism
• Strengthen collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Government of Sri Lanka
• Prioritise Sri Lanka’s recognition and position on the international stage
• Establish a transparent governance model with regular visibility of decisions
• Introduce an open-book funding system for affiliated associations
• Implement a merit-based eligibility system for national federations
• Strengthen athlete protection, including reinforcing the Gender Equity Committee
• Deliver programmes to enhance athlete and coach capabilities
• Resolve Olympic House ownership and land issues
• Improve Olympic House facilities and standards
• Restore confidence in the NOCSL as an institution of integrity and accountability