IOC guidance awaited as NOCSL administration continues beyond term

By Susil Premalal

The current administration of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) will continue to function until further instructions are received from the International Olympic Committee (IOC), NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam told the ‘Daily Mirror’ yesterday.

The four-year term of the incumbent NOCSL Executive Board was due to expire on December 27, 2025. However, Subramaniam said the continuation of the administration has become necessary as the IOC is yet to provide guidance regarding the upcoming NOCSL election and the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

“We have already informed the IOC about the NOCSL election and AGM. So far, we have not received any response. Since the IOC headquarters are currently closed for Christmas and New Year holidays, we expect a response within two weeks after they reopen,” Subramaniam said.

He further clarified that he has no personal intention of remaining in office beyond his term. “I have no desire to hold on to the position of President. Once the IOC response is received, I am ready to act in full compliance with their instructions,” he added.

Meanwhile, in a special statement issued by NOC Sri Lanka regarding the AGM, elections, and the ongoing forensic audit, the Executive Board reiterated its commitment to holding the AGM and conducting elections at the earliest possible opportunity. However, it noted that several mandatory governance requirements must first be fulfilled, including approval of the 2026 Budget by the Finance Committee and the receipt of the Auditor General’s Report for 2024.

The statement also highlighted that a comprehensive forensic audit covering the period from January 1, 2015, to December 2024 is currently underway. The audit, initiated under the concurrence of the IOC and Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), began fieldwork on June 24, 2025, and is being conducted by a reputed firm of Chartered Accountants.

Following the five-year ban imposed on former Secretary General Maxwell De Silva—an action enforced by the IOC and OCA—the forensic audit was launched. Issues arising from this period had previously led to financial sanctions on NOC Sri Lanka in December 2024. The commitment to conduct a forensic audit was among the key factors that resulted in the lifting of those sanctions.

NOC Sri Lanka has been informed that audit reports for 2015 and 2016 have been completed, while confirmation on the remaining years is still awaited. The Executive Board emphasized that continuity of the current administration is essential to ensure the efficient completion of the audit and the implementation of its findings to strengthen governance and transparency.

The President has formally communicated the present situation to the IOC and OCA, seeking their approval to conduct elections under their guidance and supervision once the forensic audit is concluded. NOC Sri Lanka stated that stakeholders will be updated upon receiving a response and that steps will be taken to convene the AGM once all statutory requirements are fulfilled.