NOC assures AGM at earliest opportunity amid ongoing Forensic Audit
The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC) has shared a communiqué with its membership assuring its steadfast commitment to conduct the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the election of the Executive Board at the earliest possible opportunity. The letter, dated November 22, 2025, and issued under the signature of NOC President Suresh Subramaniam, explains the reasons for the delay in holding the AGM and elections, as the tenure of the current Executive Board officially ends today, December 28.
Subramaniam’s letter, which was also copied to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Ministry of Sports, outlines the risks associated with holding the AGM at this stage, as argued by certain sections of the membership. It notes concerns that the NOC should not slide back into a previous chaotic and undesirable state of affairs, particularly in relation to good governance, accountability and financial transparency.
In December 2024, the NOC was briefly subjected to unprecedented financial sanctions and restrictions by the IOC and OCA, citing governance, accountability and transparency issues that were prevalent at the time. In line with IOC and OCA guidelines, the NOC initiated a forensic audit covering the period from January 2015 to December 2024. The audit is being conducted by a reputed firm of chartered accountants and auditors.
“The forensic audit is being conducted under the auspices of the IOC and OCA and pursuant to several items of correspondence received from the IOC and the OCA expressing displeasure at the lack of financial transparency, accountability and good governance that prevailed throughout the period under review. As the forensic audit was commissioned by the incumbent Executive Board, it requires their continued support, as the Board and the committees appointed thereunder are now familiar with the working processes of the auditors, thereby ensuring that the audit is conducted smoothly and expeditiously,” the letter states.
According to the communication, the NOC membership is fully aware of the ongoing audit process. Subramaniam further explains that he has taken steps to regularly update both the IOC and OCA on the progress of the audit and other measures implemented on an expedited basis to restore principles of good governance, accountability and financial transparency, with the sole objective of reinstating the legitimacy and integrity of the NOC.
“I would like to give an unwavering assurance to the members of the NOCSL that the conducting of the AGM as well as the election of office bearers for the ensuing years will be carried out strictly under the guidance and supervision of the IOC and OCA, organisations that are collectively committed to ensuring that the NOCSL does not revert to its previous chaotic and undesirable state of affairs.
“In this regard, the findings of the forensic audit and the recommendations made therein to prevent a recurrence of such a situation may be of critical importance for the IOC and OCA in advising and guiding the NOCSL in the future. I am presently awaiting a response from the IOC and OCA regarding the way forward, and upon receiving such a response I will update the general membership, upholding the highest standards of transparency and good governance,” Subramaniam assures the membership, while appealing for patience under the present circumstances until the necessary prerequisites are fulfilled to create a conducive environment to conduct the AGM.