PRESS RELEASE: IOC/OCA Correspondence Affirms Governance Roadmap and Recognises Institutional Reforms at NOC Sri Lanka

Colombo, 14 January 2026 – The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) wishes to formally inform its member federations, stakeholders, and the wider sporting community of the guidance received through official correspondence from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) dated 12 January 2026, concerning governance, elections, and the agreed pathway forward for NOC Sri Lanka.

The IOC/OCA have advised that the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the Elective General Assembly of NOC Sri Lanka should be convened at the earliest practicable opportunity, and in any event no later than the end of April 2026. This timeline is intended to allow for the completion of the ongoing independent forensic audit, the formal submission of the auditors’ report, and the implementation of any corrective or remedial measures arising from that process prior to the conduct of elections.

The IOC/OCA have emphasised that this approach is fully aligned with the principles of good governance, transparency, accountability, and institutional integrity, which underpin the Olympic Movement worldwide.

Over the past year, NOC Sri Lanka has undertaken a series of deliberate and structured institutional reforms aimed at strengthening compliance, governance standards, and internal controls. These measures include the initiation of an independent forensic audit, reinforced adherence to the IOC-approved Constitution of NOC Sri Lanka and the Olympic Charter, improved governance processes and oversight mechanisms, clearer role delineation between governance and administration, and enhanced procedural discipline in decision-making and financial management. These steps reflect NOC Sri Lanka’s commitment to long-term institutional stability, credibility, and reform.

The correspondence further reiterates the position previously communicated by the IOC/OCA in their letter dated 15 January 2025, namely that any NOC Sri Lanka member or official who is currently under investigation and/or subject to sanction must refrain from involvement in NOC Sri Lanka activities. Such individuals are not eligible to participate in any General Assembly meeting or to seek election to office, in keeping with established ethical standards and governance norms of the Olympic Movement.

In addition, the IOC/OCA have confirmed that the forthcoming AGM and Elective General Assembly must be conducted strictly in accordance with the Olympic Charter and the IOC-approved Constitution of NOC Sri Lanka, ensuring due process, maintaining decorum, legitimacy, and institutional credibility.

In the interim, and consistent with established international practice, the IOC/OCA have confirmed their continued recognition of the incumbent President, Suresh Subramaniam and the current Executive Board of NOC Sri Lanka. This recognition is specifically for the purpose of completing the prescribed governance steps, implementing the outcomes of the forensic audit within the stipulated timelines, and ensuring continuity in the effective day-to-day administration and operations of NOC Sri Lanka until elections are duly conducted.

NOC Sri Lanka welcomes the clarity and direction provided by the IOC and OCA and confirms that it remains fully engaged in implementing the agreed roadmap. Preparations are underway to convene the SGM and Elective General Assembly within the indicated timeframe.

NOC Sri Lanka reaffirms its unwavering commitment to compliance, transparency, good governance, and the protection of the best interests of athletes, while safeguarding the integrity and reputation of the Olympic Movement in Sri Lanka.

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