An official who once ran the Elle (native baseball) Federation and a former Secretary who was serving a life ban, were elected as the top two office bearers of the Sri Lanka Bodybuilding and Physical Fitness Federation (SLBBPFF) when they conducted an election of office bearers at the Duncan White Auditorium at the Sports Ministry in Colombo on Thursday (28).
The most significant feature was the re-election of Kapila Kumara to the post of Secretary after a break of 16 years following a life ban that kept him out.
Kumara was able to have his life ban abolished on a court ruling so he could stand for re-election which he did when another candidate for the same post MD Silva withdrew his nomination at the last moment.
Ten district associations attended the election where the former secretary of the Elle Association Randir Rodrigo was elected as the new president of the SALBBPFF.
Kumara said he was looking forward to a trouble-free stint for the next four years devoid of mismanagement.
“This is a golden era for bodybuilding in Sri Lanka. We have to conduct the World Bodybuilding Championship in Sri Lanka with 65 countries and nearly 650 competitors and officials.
“We have to find the sponsors so that we can meet the expenses needed to conduct such a mega event,” said Kumara.
But their immediate task is to conduct the National meet next month at the Nawaloka Ground and Kumara said sponsorship and funding will be the hurdle to overcome.
Rodrigo said that the Bodybuilding Sports Federation was doing exemplary management work looking ahead.
“We will work together and take the sport forward. I have a group of experienced officials who can handle such situations,” said Rodrigo.
Office bearers:
President – Randhir Rodrigo, Vice Presidents – Nihal Weeratunga, Lionel Kumara, Secretary – Kapila Kumara, Assistant Secretary – Kasun Chaturanga, Treasurer – Sisira Samansiri, Assistant Treasurer – Kithsiri Bandara
