Shirantha Peries unveils reformed mandate eyeing NOC Presidency
“Leadership, to me, is about building systems that work, not just making promises. It is about creating structures that deliver consistently and fairly,” Peries said.
Shirantha Peries has many plans intact in his mandate that makes accountability and transparency key factors
Beyond business, Peries has made a lasting impact on Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem through both infrastructure development and sports administration. He has personally invested in developing and upgrading shooting ranges in Nuwara Eliya, Katukurunda, and Payagala at the Clay Target Shooting Club of Colombo, bringing facilities up to international standards and expanding access to the sport.
In 2015, he became the first civilian President of the National Shooting Sport Federation of Sri Lanka. Over the course of his tenure until 2025, the federation experienced significant growth, with participation increasing from approximately 200 athletes to over 7,500 young participants. Under his leadership, there was a clear focus on youth development, resulting in athletes under the age of 16 achieving national success and securing medals at Asian level competitions.
“We proved that when you invest in structure, access, and youth, results will follow. That same approach can be applied across all sports in Sri Lanka,” he added.
Peries currently serves as Vice President of the NOC and holds positions within international sporting bodies, including as an Executive Member of the Asian Shooting Confederation and as a Board Member supporting development initiatives within the International Shooting Sport Federation. He also serves as the Chairman of the Lotus Tower in Colombo, reflecting his ability to operate within large scale national projects and work closely with government stakeholders.
His journey in sport began at the age of 12, when he took up air rifle shooting under the guidance of his father. He later represented Sri Lanka at the SAF Shooting Games in 2000, winning a team silver and an individual bronze medal, giving him first hand insight into the demands of international competition.
Announcing his candidacy, Peries highlighted that Sri Lankan sport is at a defining moment, requiring stronger systems, greater unity, and transparent governance.
His mandate focuses on building an NOC that is united in purpose, transparent in operation, and fair in opportunity. Key priorities include quarterly visibility of decisions, an open book system for funding and sponsorship opportunities, merit based eligibility frameworks, stronger athlete protection mechanisms, and structured capability development for athletes and coaches.
“Sri Lankan sport does not lack talent. It lacks a system that brings that talent together, supports it consistently, and gives it a fair path to succeed,” Peries stated.
He also proposes the introduction of a formal feedback mechanism at Olympic House, improved accountability through defined roles and responsibilities, and closer collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and the Government of Sri Lanka.
“This is about building an institution that unites, operates with integrity, and delivers results that the entire country can stand behind.”
With a unique combination of experience as a business leader, sports administrator, and national athlete, Peries positions himself as a candidate focused on practical delivery, institutional strength, and long term impact. After joining the NOC in 2022, Peries has served as the Assistant Treasurer, and was subsequently appointed as Chairman of Junior Development Committee of the NOC, which also included other well-known stalwarts such as Fazil Hussain, Jayalal Ratnasooriya, Iqbal Bin Issack, Dimuth Gunawardena, Niloo Jayatilleke, Sujani Bogollagama, Upali Amaratunga and Indika Prabath. He was then elected the Treasurer, before stepping down to fill in the Vice President’s post, which was vacated last year.