Colombo, 25 August 2026 – The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) successfully concluded the 3rd Sport Administrators Course 2026, held from 20 to 23 August 2026 at Olympic House, Colombo 07, with the programme specifically targeted at Team Sri Lanka officials preparing for the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.

 

The four-day programme brought together 48 participants, including 16 women, representing National Sports Federations, sports clubs, universities and schools. It provided Team Sri Lanka officials and other members of the sporting community with an opportunity to strengthen their knowledge, practical skills and understanding of effective sport administration, leadership and governance ahead of their continued involvement in the development and management of sport.

 

The course was conducted by National Course Directors Group Captain (Rtd.) Nalin De Silva, Dr. Shemal Fernando, PhD, Ms. M.K.A. Anoma Rathnayaka and Mr. Gobinath Sivarajah, with Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya serving as Guest Facilitator.

 

The opening ceremony on 20 August was attended by NOC Sri Lanka Treasurer Lt. Col. (Retd.) Ajith Siyambalapitiya, while the day’s sessions were also attended by NOC Sri Lanka Vice President Mr. Prithiviraj Perera.

 

Following the completion of the Day 4 proceedings on 23 August, the Closing Ceremony was attended by all four National Course Directors and distinguished representatives of NOC Sri Lanka, including Secretary General Mr. Rifdy Fahmy, Vice President Mr. Prithiviraj Perera, Assistant Secretary Ms. Ashmitha Gunaratne, Executive Board Member Mr. Kosala Wickramanayake, Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission and Games Committee Mr. Niluka Karunaratne OLY, and General Manager Mr. Lal Wickrematunge. The ceremony also marked the presentation of Certificates of Participation to all 48 participants, recognising their successful completion of the programme.

 

Participants highlighted the course as a valuable opportunity to develop both their professional knowledge and confidence in sport administration. Kaushini Gunasinghe, Gymnastics Coach of Sri Lanka Artistic Gymnastics, noted that the programme broadened her understanding of sports administration and gave her greater confidence to take on future responsibilities within the sporting community.

 

For Ranil Pieries, Veteran Golfer and Past President of Sri Lanka Golf, the interactive nature of the programme, the diversity of participants and the practical training sessions provided valuable opportunities to build networks, strengthen management skills and gain new perspectives on problem-solving.

 

The successful completion of the 3rd Sport Administrators Course reflects NOC Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to capacity building, professional development and strengthening the standards of sport administration in Sri Lanka.

 

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