NOC election: High stakes or anti-climax?

By Susil Premalal

The much-anticipated election of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka is set to take place today (April 25) at 4.00 pm at the Olympic House Auditorium, with arrangements finalized for what is widely regarded as one of the most intense contests in its history.

According to NOCSL sources, two representatives affiliated with the International Olympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia have arrived in Sri Lanka to observe the election process.

The three-member election committee, chaired by retired Supreme Court Judge KT Chithrasiri along with Harsha Amarasekara and Piyasena Ranasinghe, has accepted nominations from 33 candidates contesting 11 key positions for the 2026–2030 term.

Two nominations submitted for the Treasurer post were rejected, while several presidents of NOCSL-affiliated national sports associations are contesting multiple leadership roles.

The race for the presidency has drawn particular attention, with five candidates initially submitting nominations. Reports indicate that a few candidates may withdraw ahead of the vote.

According to NOCSL election history, the presence of five contenders for the top post has significantly heightened the intensity of the contest, with momentum building steadily up to yesterday.

Already one candidate Shirantha Peries claimed he has won even before the voting could start while another Jaswar Umar claimed he has enough votes to win as the ‘common candidate’.

Despite the continuous noise made at the NOC, Sri Lanka has won just one Olympic medal in 75 years.