Interim committees and elections

Sri Lanka sport is set to become 'fully democratic' with Sports Ministry planning to conduct fresh elections to seven controlling bodies, which are currently under interim administrations. Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, Jeewan Kumaratunga has made his intentions clear, that he wants to get rid of all interim committees from this year.

The sports loving public and member clubs of those sports would pay a big tribute to Minister Kumaratunga for the bold decision taken. We hope that his move would see that there will be democratically elected executive committees of all national sports associations (NSAs) by March 31, the deadline to conduct elections for the controlling bodies.

Currently there seven sports that are run by interim committees appointed by the Sports Minister. They are cricket, aquatic sports, wrestling, cycling, karate, wushu and kabaddi. On several occasions, this column has stressed the importance of allowing elected executive committees to run their respective sports. That has been the demand by the member clubs, district associations and affiliated clubs of those NSAs as their rights have been deprived over the years.

Minister Kumaratunga has finally taken one of the most commendable decisions during his office. There may be a handful of officials at those interim committees who could do a good job of work. But overall, most of them have been utter failures, neglecting the aspirations of the member clubs and associations.

When there is an elected executive committee, the members clubs and associations could always question the decisions taken by their respective NSAs. But they could do nothing when they have a set of officials appointed by the Sports Minister.

Interim Committee members are only answerable to the Sports Minister. Hence, they do not care what the members clubs and associations say. In another words, the democratic rights and voices of the member clubs and associations are ignored whenever there is an interim administration.

In most cases, interim committee officials have often proved their inability to raise funds through sponsorships. Even if they make their best efforts, the sponsors are reluctant to invest before a stopgap team of officials. With interim committees in office, the sponsors are well aware of the limited mileage they get.

Hence, most of the interim committee members are compelled to turn to the man who appointed them to obtain finances needed. This has been an extra burden to the Sports Ministry, which has a limited budget.

Some interim committee members have been living on funds brought by their previous executive committees. They spend lavishly for allowances and other tour needs because they are not accountable for the membership.

What happen at the end is, by the time the Sports Minister decides to call for fresh elections, there would be empty coffers at most of the NSAs run by interim committees. We have witnessed this drama over and over but the excessive powers vestured on the Sports Minister needs little reasons to suspend or dissolve a NSA.

True that the Sports Minister should have all the right to kick out an ex-co of a NSA, that is not playing straight. But there should be a better procedure before such dissolution is made. We suggest a comprehensive investigation by a panel, comprising Sports Ministry Secretary, Director General of Sports, Chairman of the National Sports Council, a representative each nominated by the Sports Minister, National Olympic Committee and Auditor General's Department.

There should be a complete hearing with an opportunity to ex-co members, against whom there are allegations, before the Sports Minister dissolves a NSA. Member clubs and associations of those NSAs in question too should be given a chance to express their views before the Sports Minister makes his final decision. If we follow such an ethical procedure, the interim committees would not become so unpopular.

The difference between an elected ex-co member and an interim committee member is that the former knows that the is answerable to the membership if something goes wrong. But the interim committee member could to whatever he likes and seek political cover.

The interim committees would often show a deaf ear whenever representatives of their member clubs and associations voice their problems and grievances. Hence, we must go for fresh elections soon. But the latest indications are that elections to Sri Lanka Cricket and Kabaddi Association could be delayed, pending investigation reports of these two bodies. This does not sound fair by the other interim committees and member clubs of SLC and SLKA.

Chairman of the National Sports Council, Saman Amarasinghe has taken a keen interest in ironing out problems with interim committees. We hope Amarasinghe would give his fullest support to Minister Kumaratunga's endeavour to clean up Sri Lanka sports.