CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) 2026
Updated Date: 17th February, 2026
The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka invites applications from qualified female candidates for nomination to the Women’s Sport Leadership Academy (WSLA) 2026, conducted in partnership with the University of Chichester (UK) in collaboration with Leading Edge.
WSLA is a prestigious week-long residential leadership programme designed to develop the next generation of female leaders in sport.
Programme Details
Dates: 23 - 28 August 2026
Venue: Bishop Otter Campus, University of Chichester, United Kingdom
Programme Format: Residential (English language)
Programme Includes:
' Interactive workshops
' Personal development planning
' Reflection groups
'
Peer-support sessions
Since 2014, WSLA has empowered over 490 women from 85 countries to build leadership confidence and capacity in sport organisations.
Olympic Solidarity Scholarship
Through the Olympic Values – Education and Training Programme, Olympic Solidarity offers a limited number of scholarships for NOCs to nominate one candidate.
Scholarship Covers:
' WSLA registration fee
' Accommodation during programme
' Meals
' Training materials
'
Internet access
Possible Additional Support (subject to approval by the NOC Sri Lanka):
' Economy-class flight ticket
' UK local transportation
'
Visa-related expenses
⚠️ No per diem will be provided.
⚠️ Extra nights before or after the programme must be covered by the participant or NOC.
NOC Sri Lanka – Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
1. Be a Sri Lankan female citizen
2. Be currently involved in sport as:
• Sport administrator (National Federation / Club / Institution)
• Coach
• Technical official
• Athlete transitioning into leadership
3. Have minimum 3 years of experience in sport
4. Demonstrate leadership potential and commitment to serving sport in Sri Lanka
5. Possess good English communication skills (spoken & written)
6. Provide endorsement letter from their respective National Federation or institution
7. Commit to submitting a post-programme report and conducting at least one knowledge-sharing session locally upon return
Priority consideration will be given to:
' Candidates from underrepresented sports
' Candidates from rural or emerging sport structures
'
Federations that have not previously benefited from WSLA scholarships
NOC Sri Lanka Internal Deadline: 23 February 2026 (Please note that late submissions will NOT be considered)
Application Procedure
The applications should reach Secretary General, “Sri Lanka Olympic House”, 100/9F Independence Avenue, Colombo 7 or email to ir@olympic.lk no later than 4:00 p.m. on 23 February, 2026.
Interested candidates must submit the following:
1. Completed CV (maximum 2 pages)
2. Motivation Letter (max 300 words)
3. Endorsement Letter from Federation/Organisation
4. Copy of Passport
Shortlisted candidates will be nominated by NOC Sri Lanka to apply directly to WSLA.
For more information or for any clarifications, please contact Ms. Hiruni via +94 77 975 0315 or ir@olympic.lk
