SRI LANKA RISKS INTERNATIONAL ATHLETICS BAN

ADMINISTRATIVE PARALYSIS PUTS ATHLETES AND FUNDING AT RISK, VETERAN ATHLETIC OFFICIALS WARN

- By SUSIL PREMALAL

Former SLA president Major General Palitha Fernando

Sri Lanka faces the serious risk of an international athletics ban if the current administrative paralysis at Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) continues, veteran athletic officials warn. A suspension by World Athletics (formerly IAAF) would severely impact the country's athletes and the nation's sporting reputation.

Former SLA President Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Palitha Fernando told the Daily Mirror that any such ban would be the direct responsibility of the Sports Ministry and the Department of Sports Development, who are currently overseeing athletics after administrative disputes halted SLA operations.