NOC opposed by rival clan | Sunday Observer

NOC opposed by rival clan

27 May, 2018
Sriyani Kulawansa and Damayanthi Dharsha
Sriyani Kulawansa and Damayanthi Dharsha

The Olympic Day Run organised by the National Olympic Committee will be held on June 23 at Nuwara Eliya and according to the Secretary of the National Olympic Committee Maxwell de Silva, the event is usually organised by them and not by any other body.

The NOC said they are the only recognized association to use the Olympic symbol as well as the logo and that authority has been given to them exclusively by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

De Silva said that the newly formed Sri Lankan Olympians Association headed by former Commonwealth Games silver medallist Sriyani Kulawansa has drawn up plans to hold an Olympic Day Run on June 22 in Kandy with the participation of school children.

“At our Olympic Day Run the NOC usually organises an art exhibition with the participation of school children.

“These activities give more value for the Olympics and NOC officials are very keen to organise these activities. We (NOC) are responsible for all activities to mark the World Olympic Day. There is no need to organise a similar Olympic Day Run by any other Association”, said de Silva. The Sri Lankan Olympians Association is made up of 67 athletes who are Olympians and was formed last year. They have invited a senior Asian Olympic official as the Chief Guest for the occasion and are hoping to procure IOC recognition.

A senior member of the Olympians Association claimed that only their association has the authority to use the Olympic flag at official Olympic programmes.

Kulawansa is the president of the Olympians Association while the secretary is Damayanthi Dharsha. Sugath Tillekaratne, Julian Bolling and Prasanna Amarasekara are actively supporting them.

Olympic silver medal winner Susanthika Jayasinghe is not a member of the association but has received an invitation to work as a consultant which she has refused. 

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