Colombo, 14 May 2026– The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka mourns the passing of one of our country’s most distinguished and respected sports administrators, Prema Pinnewale. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy which shaped the course of Olympic and athletic administration in Sri Lanka, for more than six decades.

 

At the age of four score years plus 8, Mr. Pinnewale leaves behind a lifetime of extraordinary service to sport, not merely built on positions held or titles earned, but of an unwavering commitment, resilience, wisdom, and an unmatched passion for uplifting Sri Lankan sport at all levels.

 

To generations of athletes, officials, journalists, and administrators, Prema Pinnewale was not merely an administrator. He was Gibraltar. A guiding force whose presence became synonymous with growth and international recognition of Sri Lankan athletics and Olympic sport.

 

His early days as a young sportsman at Christian College Kotte in the 1950s, Mr. Pinnewale demonstrated leadership qualities and discipline that would later define one of the most influential careers in Sri Lankan sports administration. His foray began at the University of Peradeniya, where he served as President of the Sports Council in 1963, embracing the beginning of a lifelong dedication to the advancement of sport.

 

His rise through the ranks of administration was mercurial. He was drafted to the Ceylon Athletics Association in the late 1960s as a committee member, and would go on to serve as Vice President, before eventually becoming one of the most sought after and respected administrators in the Asian sporting arena.

 

In 1983, Mr. Pinnewale assumed office as Secretary General of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. This position he held for 15 transformative years. He was a member of the very first course to qualify as a National Course Director of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, and continued to play a pivotal role in strengthening Sri Lanka’s standing within the Olympic movement whilst nurturing invaluable international relationships that opened doors for many Sri Lankan athletes and officials.

 

His leadership was instrumental in securing major international sporting events for Sri Lanka. The 1991 and 2006 South Asian Games, the 2002 Asian Senior Athletics Championships, and the 2012 Asian Junior Athletics Championships held at home were largely his efforts. These achievements not only flagged Sri Lanka’s profile on the international stage, but additionally inspired future generations of athletes across the nation.

 

Completing his stint at the National Olympic Committee, he moved over to Sri Lanka Athletics and continued his service as General Secretary for over two decades until his retired in 2023. It was not roses all the way. He did face challenges and criticism which is par for course. Mr. Pinnewale remained stoic in his belief that sport must always come first. His dedication never faltered.

 

His work ethics and dedication to detail did not go without notice. His diplomacy, administrative expertise, and deep understanding of sport governance pushed Mr. Pinnewale to many prestigious international positions, including Secretary of the South Asian Sports Council, Secretary of the Media Committee of the Olympic Council of Asia, and Council Member of the Asian Athletics Association.

 

In recognition of his vast contribution to world athletics, the World Athletics honoured him in 2025 with the prestigious World Athletics Veterans Pin, a just recognition of a man whose life was devoted to nothing but the service of sport.

 

In acceptance of his decades of invaluable service to the Olympic movement and national sport, Mr. Pinnewale was conferred Honorary Life Membership of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka. A rare distinction reserved for individuals who have rendered a long and exceptional service to the Olympic Movement.

 

Beyond boardrooms and stadiums, Mr. Pinnewale was known for his warmth, generosity, and humane qualities. He was deeply respected by athletes and colleagues alike for the personal care he extended to those representing Sri Lanka overseas. To some, he was a mentor, to others a problem solver, and to most, a reassuring presence during both triumph and tragedy.

 

Outside the sporting arena, he also enjoyed a distinguished corporate career as General Manager of the Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation, earning admiration for his leadership and professionalism.

 

Today, Sri Lanka bids farewell to a distinguished figure whose legacy remains chiselled in the nation’s sporting history. The loss of an epoch is not merely the passing of a top administrator, but the end of an era in Sri Lanka’s sporting history.

 

The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka extends its deepest condolences to his beloved wife, Mrs. Jayani Pinnewale, former Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Sports, their daughters, family members, friends, and the entire sporting fraternity grieving this profound loss.

 

His service, leadership, and devotion to Sri Lankan sport will forever remain a bell that would toll for continuing excellence for sport in Sri Lanka. Mr. Prema Pinnewale, we bow before you.

 

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana!

 

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