A probe is set to be conducted at university level by the management of the Sabaragamuwa University over the disappearance of triple jumper Vinoth Sandanuwan during the World University Games which concluded in Germany recently, a source from the university told The Sunday Morning Sports.

Sandanuwan, a fourth-year student who had been studying for a degree in Physical Education and Sports, had also reportedly entered into a bond of Rs. 2 million before flying out to Germany, and the university has also decided to initiate an inquiry into the matter.

The World University Games ended last Sunday (27 July), and the Sri Lankan contingent returned home two days later without winning any medals.

The source from the Sabaragamuwa University added that having recorded statements from the manager of the Sri Lanka team and its officials, a probe would be initiated into the disappearance of the student concerned.

Sandanuwan, who had been scheduled to compete in his event on 25 July, had not been present with the team on the night of 23 July, having allegedly fled from the World University Games athletes’ village, forcing the Sri Lankan officials to lodge a complaint with the German Police.

Some 8,000 sportsmen and women from 161 nations had featured in this year’s games, with 27 competitors representing Sri Lanka’s university sphere along with three officials, and with the sole disappearance of a contestant being reported from the island nation.

The incident also echoes a series of similar concerning cases in the recent past, where certain Sri Lankan athletes and officials had vanished during global sporting meets.

Notably, the 2022 Commonwealth Games witnessed multiple individuals leaving team camps – many of whom had subsequently filed for asylum in the UK – thereby tarnishing Sri Lanka’s sporting image.

Ven. Prof. Kumburugamuwe Vajira Thera functions as the Chancellor of the Sabaragamuwa University while Prof. M. Sunil Shantha serves as the Vice Chancellor. 

(JK)