47 Leagues not in favour to conduct FFSL elections
View(s):A total of 47 Leagues out of 49 have unanimously signed a letter in favour of not to conduct the elections of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) according to reports. According to the FFSL media unit the letter states that as at March 26, 2013 the new regulations introduced to the Sports Act of 2013, 01 were not gazetted and the need of calling in new nominations for the 2014 election will not be necessary.
However the letter has not being signed by Kalutara and Wennappuwa leagues. The total of 49 League includes the newly introduced 20 leagues by the incumbent President of FFSL, Ranjith Rodrigo. It is reliably learnt that the Wennappuwa Football League is on the verge of proposing for calling in fresh nominations for the 2014 elections to the Executive Committee of the FFSL.
FFSL President Ranjith Rodrigo
However the 47 League that have signed the letter has unanimously stated that FFSL should not go for fresh elections as it had already taken steps to amend its constitution in accordance to the amended Sports Act of 2013, 01.
“It is hereby resolved that the Regulations made by the Ministry of Sports under Section 41 read with Section 31 of the Sports Law No.25 of 1973 published in the Government Extra Ordinary Gazette bearing No. 1973/3, dated January 15, 2013, be adopted by the FFSL and shall supersede the existing, relevant provisions of the constitutions of the FFSL,” the FFSL statement clarifies.
This adoption will enable the present office bearers to hold office for the period of 2013 to 2015 and accordingly the next due elections will be held before March 31, 2015. The letter states that FFSL General Secretary Upali Hewage has made appropriate measures to keep the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA informed on the development. According to the amended Sports Act, officials elected to a sports association can serve for a period of two years.
Kicking off activities for the year 2014 President Rodrigo presented the respective annual budgets and activity plans of FFSL in front of a large gathering comprising all its directors, executive committee members, staff members, coordinators, national coaches and all stake holders. This took place following multi-religious activities held at the Football House in Colombo.
“It is all directors who will have to achieve these plans. To oversee its development Anura de Silva, the Director Operations will be appointed as the responsible official. We are looking at organising an awards presentation ceremony for the best employees of FFSL from this year,” Rodrigo stated. – NA