Says current rot is the result of government politicians who shielded shady activities while world body IOC played ball with NOC:
In a no-holds-barred interview with the Sunday Observer, Rohan Fernando, former Chairman of the National Olympic Committee’s (NOC) Finance Committee and a veteran sports administrator, said he was ready to appear before any Commission to expose corruption in the apex sports body.
He laid bare the corruption, mismanagement and lack of accountability plaguing the NOC.
Fernando, who claims losing a controversial election to become NOC President in 2018, has called for immediate reforms and harsh penalties for those responsible for the NOC’s degeneration.
Reflecting on his tenure as Chairman of the Finance Committee before his failed bid for the top job, Fernando said positive strides were made under his leadership. “We implemented proper accounting systems, maintained clean records and ensured transparency.
“I have never personally benefited from the Olympic system. I travelled only when necessary, always at the Committee’s request,” said Fernando.
However, the Rio Olympics in 2016 marked the turning point, according to him. Fernando, along with Dian Gomes, Preeti Perera, Palitha Fernando, Shirantha Peiris, and Nishantha Piyasena, unearthed a case of financial misconduct. According to Fernando, $10,000 withdrawn from the IOC (International Olympic Committee) account was also claimed from the Sri Lankan government, resulting in a double claim. “This money was supposed to cover airfare and accommodation for the President (Hemasiri Fernando) and Secretary General (Maxwell de Silva). When we initiated a forensic audit, the truth came out. The money was returned, but no accountability was enforced. But the question remains – do you really need further forensics when the facts are so clear?” he asked.
Fernando criticised the IOC’s handling of the allegations claiming that when complaints were escalated, it sent an official, Hider Farman, to investigate in a questionable way. “He met only with Maxwell de Silva and his associates while ignoring those of us who filed the complaint. How can you call that an independent investigation?”, Fernando asked.
He further alleged that the Executive Committee, led by the current President Suresh Subramaniam and Secretary General Maxwell de Silva, has suppressed transparency. “Meetings with all associations, once held bi-monthly, have been replaced by a single annual general meeting. This lack of transparency has destroyed the NOC’s credibility,” Fernando lashed out and pointed fingers at political patronage during the period of the Yahapalanaya government.
“During Suresh Subramaniam and Maxwell de Silva’s time, there was clear political patronage, particularly from the government of that period. So many wrong things happened back then and the repercussions are still felt today,” he pointed out.
Fernando contends the current NOC’s internal disagreements stem from personal conflicts rather than genuine concern for reform. “The very people who covered up past wrongdoings are now accusing one another. It’s hypocrisy at its peak,” he said having stepped away from the NOC and his expected role in the National Sports Council.
“I was supposed to take over as Chairman of the National Sports Council after Arjuna Ranatunga stepped down, but that too was blocked by Ranil Wickremesinghe’s government. That was the final straw for me. I decided to completely disengage from these management systems, committees and commissions.
“The truth is, if you’re honest and genuinely trying to do a good job in this country, it just doesn’t work. Unfortunately, that’s the debacle of our nation.”
The mismanagement, according to Fernando, has crippled athlete development, funding and international representation. “We haven’t won an Olympic medal in decades because the system is broken. Millions are spent on sending officials to international events while athletes are neglected,” he said citing the 2018 Asian Games as an example.
Fernando said he can only live in hope that the new government, which has an Olympian in Sugath Tillakaratne as Deputy Sports Minister would turn things around.
“The government must write to the IOC, explain the status quo and demand an independent inquiry. The current executive committee must resign and fresh elections must be held under strict oversight. Only individuals with integrity should be allowed to contest.
“There’s no point in holding elections under the same executive committee. They will manipulate the process to secure the 22 votes they need. They’ll make promises – money, favours, whatever it takes – and continue as they are. Then they’ll run to the IOC and justify themselves. That’s why some of us are ready to take this fight to Lausanne, to the IOC headquarters. We will fight,” he said.
Fernando also called for a forensic audit into the NOC’s finances and harsh penalties for those found guilty of corruption. “Justice delayed is justice denied. The perpetrators must face the harshest jail terms to set an example,” he asserted.
“When there’s corruption, do you really need special powers? You just need to enforce the laws of the land. The nation’s laws supersede all other laws unless international conventions are involved.
“Even then, international conventions clearly state that they do not cover up for fraud and misappropriation. This is a case of fraud and mismanagement. The Ministry of Sports has every right – and responsibility – to act,” he reiterated.
Skeptical of past administrations, Fernando expressed cautious optimism about the new government’s anti-corruption stance.
“The government must eradicate corruption completely. I’m willing to appear before any Commission and provide evidence to expose the wrongdoings. My fight is for the country and its athletes.
“Right now the NOC of Sri Lanka has completely disgraced itself in the eyes of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). They’ve shot themselves in the foot. The Ministry of Sports must take the lead here. They need to appoint a team of credible, competent individuals to engage directly with the IOC and propose a series of reforms. These reforms should aim to clear the NOC’s tarnished reputation and hold the perpetrators accountable through legal action,” Fernando declared.
Fernando’s contributions to Sri Lankan sports are undeniable. A former Sri Lanka rowing captain and President of the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka, he was instrumental in building the state-of-the-art National Rowing Centre at Diyawanna.
“I love my country and want to bequeath my wealth for the benefit of sports. If invited only without contests, I’m willing to serve again to restore integrity and accountability in Sri Lankan sports.”
