- Cites differences of opinion as catalyst for resignation
- Insists more resignations in the offing
- Sri Lanka Athletics hits stormy waters
Veteran athletics administrator Sunil Jayaweera who was largely instrumental in the installation of the Bimal Wijayasinghe-led Sri Lanka Athletics administration early this year, tendered his resignation with effect from 24 June.
The unexpected resignation by the former head of the sport’s domestic governing body and ‘a key figure of the golden age of Sri Lankan athletics’ according to athletics analysts has diverted the SLA into rocky waters.
Jayaweera had utilised his significant administrative clout to back a reformist, athlete-centered group led by Bimal Wijayasinghe ahead of the election of office bearers to the domestic ruling body held in March this year.
It was widely acknowledged at the time that his last-minute support had proved to be the decisive factor in securing the SLA presidency over the Sunil Gunawardene-led camp, for the reform faction to restructure its governance
Jayaweera when contacted cited irreconcilable differences between him and the incumbent SLA leadership on the most suitable pathway for the local athletes and coaches to aspire for international success, had forced him to part ways.
“It is true that it was I who played the behind-the-scenes role in bringing in the current SLA administration to power,” Jayaweera told The Daily Morning Sports.
“But, by and by I realised that what I envisaged to achieve from the new Committee could not be achieved as they were determined to traverse on a different journey. It was obvious to me that the current SLA administration has no clear ideas to improve the lot of the athletes and coaches at district level and in such a background I opted to step down.”
Jayaweera who served voluntarily in the SLA Executive Committee said it was regrettable to notice the very Committee he had worked to bring to power had changed course and were heading in opposite directions.
He noted that in such a scenario he had deemed it would be futile to remain in office further and instead had submitted his resignation letter to its president Bimal Wijayasinghe.
“It was obvious to me that the new SLA leadership was not prepared to seek my input anymore regarding the future direction of athletics,” the experienced athletics official who was not an elected member at its AGM held in March, pointed out.
“They (SLA) hardly consulted me on activities and so I realised that it was time for me to leave office and allow them to continue with whatever agenda that they think is right for our athletics and athletes.”
Jayaweera becomes the second high-profile official from the SLA to quit after its Secretary Madhawa Bandara Senarath resigned in April, only weeks after assuming office citing personal reasons.
However, sources indicated at the time that internal disagreements within the Ex-Co had prompted his premature departure, with Assistant Secretary General Aloy Wickramasinghe being appointed as the Acting General Secretary subsequently.
Jayaweera also added that more resignations from the SLA Ex-Co were in the offing with one of its vice president’s Jayantha Siyamudali having already submitted his resignation letter, with well-known track and field coach Y K Kularatne also set to follow suit.
President of SLA Bimal Wijayasinghe when inquired about the resignation of Jayaweera stated that the former administrator had submitted a letter to that effect.
He observed that in any democratic governance structure any official has the right to hold office and quit it at the same time, but declined to delve at length into the circumstances which had prompted Jayaweera to step aside.