Primarily, the Strategic Plan Committee and the NOC SL envisioned an assertion of its strengths and weaknesses, as this is the first occasion the NOC SL has focused upon such a challenge since its inauguration way back in 1937. 

The Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee Maxwell de Silva explained, “Firstly, I must mention the National Olympic Committee has been in existence since 1937 and during this period, we have won two medals at the Olympic Games. Yes, a lot of work was done by successive committees and there were moments of conquest and disappointment, but when we look back, we really want to see how we can move forward.

“As a matter of fact, we cannot change the past. But, we can change the present and the future by working together. Previously, there was a complaint that we don’t meet, and the athletic forum did not know what was happening. There was criticism saying that we do not listen to the Federations, so we thought that it would be prudent at this moment when we are facing a difficult time in this country to bring everyone together – unity in diversity. We need to have differences of opinion – that is democracy; but that does not mean that we are not together. This Strategic Plan that we are in the process of formulating is for you. It is here to understand your requirements so that we could see how you deliver better results and move sports in this country forward.”

In the course of its planning process, the NOC SL had a deep look and an understanding of all 33 affiliated Federations and Associations. They ascertained through that understanding - they could form their own KPIs to serve the affiliated sports in a manner that the NOC SL could be a resourceful entity that could help serve the ultimate goal of nurturing a better sports community in Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the importance of collective strategy IOC appointed expert on Strategic Planning explained “I will present briefly why Sri Lanka needs a Strategic Plan, especially for the Sports Federations and also the National Olympic Committee Firstly, I will speak about how you could build a stronger and integrated national sports system and national sports policy because alone the National Olympic Committee and National Federations could be nothing. We have to build a strong partnership for sure. In every country you need similar systems working to develop sports. So, to develop the Strategic Plan for the National Olympic Committee and the Sports Federations, the timelines are very important. The Strategic Plan is a tool of communication when you engage and change the sports system to implement a system of success to further your sport."  

Professor B.L.H. Perera – the head of the management committee also spoke.