The Court of Appeal has issued an interim order preventing the Election Committee of Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS) from conducting its 2024 election of office bearers citing violations of the SLAS Constitution and the Sports Law.
The legal action was initiated by the Sri Lanka Association of Racing Drivers and Riders (SLARDAR), led by President Shameera Abeynayake and Secretary Dilan Bandara.
SLARDAR, a club renowned for organizing prestigious events since its inception in 1993 under the leadership of then-president Hans Ralf, has faced internal strife and rivalry leading to the formation of the rival club SLADA.
Subsequently, SLADA, in collaboration with another questionable controlling body, took over SLARDAR’s events and imposed an unethical ban on SLARDAR.
The Election Committee was accused of attempting to violate the SLAS Constitution, the Sports Law and subsequent Gazette notifications and directives issued by the Director General of Sports Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando.
In a surprising turn of events, the Election Committee allegedly disregarded directives and attempted to proceed with the election using ineligible nominations. This prompted the Court of Appeal to intervene and issue an interim order to prevent any further violations.
Following the tragic incident at the Fox Hill Supercross 2024, which claimed the lives of eight spectators and marshals on April 21, questions were raised on the responsibility of SLAS towards diver and spectator welfare at races.
