• NSC Chairman Arjuna Ranatunga states during a press meeting yesterday

Chairman of National Sports Council Arjuna Ranatunga said yesterday (1) that there is no need for this country to play as required by the international sporting Federations and all sports should adhere to the country's sports law.

He stated this at a press conference held at the National Sports Council Auditorium yesterday. The press conference was called in order to clarify on the state of the administration of sports associations, at a time when officials of several national sports associations had expressed their displeasure over the changes in sports regulations.

Speaking to the media, Ranatunga explained that the committee, including himself, and the Ministry of Sports have looked into the international structure of all sports and made amendments to these new sports regulations.

Sports union's opposition to Sports Minister

At the press, Ranatunga commented on the opinion held by the sports associations regarding the new regulations: “Some sports need two or three coaches. We have never opposed those needs. Therefore, we will never put the game or the players in danger while preparing these laws. When making these decisions, problems arise with sports associations. Officials who make a living from these sports associations face problems when the law is enforced. Therefore, they are taking the legal route against the Minister and against these acts. Those officials spend money for that and earn money from the game as well. Going against every good initiative of the Sports Minister can be seen as an effort from these officials to cover up their own mistakes. These are not made by the Minister alone. This is a collective effort.”

SLC Selection Committee debacle

It was recently reported that the National Sports Council rejected the list of names sent by the Sri Lanka Cricket Federation to elect the new selection committee. Commenting on that, Ranatunga said: “I got a list of names. But I didn't directly say no to them. I said that there are people who are more suitable for these positions.”

FIFA and Asia Rugby ban

Commenting on the current ban on football and rugby, the chairman said: “We don't have to play the way international associations want. These new regulations are prepared in accordance with international organisations and the law of the country. This shows that some associations were deliberately banned upon their request in order to safeguard their positions. Because some of these union officials do not allow us to work directly with the international bodies of any of these federations. 

Meanwhile, Arjuna Ranatunga, the Chairman of the National Sports Council, said that the skills of the athletes participating in the Asian Games to be held in the latter half of this year, are being analysed and plans are being prepared.

PHOTO LALITH PERERA