The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) successfully conducted the first Sport Administrators Course 2026 from March 19 to 22, 2026 at the Olympic House in Colombo, bringing together 36 participants representing National Federations, universities, the Ministry of Sports, the Sri Lanka Air Force, and several leading sports institutions across the country.
The programme was primarily designed to strengthen the capacity of officials connected with Team Sri Lanka, particularly those preparing for upcoming international events including the Asian Beach Games Sanya 2026.
The four-day intensive course was delivered under the guidance of an experienced panel of National Course Directors comprising Group Captain (Rtd.) Nalin De Silva, Dr. (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando, Ms. M.K.A. Anoma Rathnayaka, and Mr. Gobinath Sivarajah. The sessions were further enriched by guest facilitator Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya, Director General of the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency.
The course covered a wide spectrum of topics essential for modern sports administration, including the Olympic Movement and its governance structure, ethical and clean sport practices, athlete welfare, leadership and communication, sport science and technology, governance, risk management, and event operations. Participants were also engaged through interactive sessions, quizzes, group discussions, and presentations, ensuring both theoretical understanding and practical application.
Participants expressed high appreciation for the quality and relevance of the programme. Samuel Shanmugam, owner of Sam’s College, Jaffna, stated, “I gained valuable insights from the national course directors, not only through their informative lectures but also through their exemplary leadership, which serves as a model for aspiring sports administrators. I feel privileged to have been part of this group, which comprised Olympians, esteemed Sri Lankan coaches, sports administrators, and enthusiastic university students. It was inspiring to witness the embodiment of Olympic values such as friendship, excellence, and respect among the participants.”
Umaya Rathnayake, a student from Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka, described the experience as transformative, stating, “This has been one of the most rewarding programs I have ever been a part of. The mentorship from the resource persons has been instrumental in my development, giving me the tools and the confidence to succeed both in the front office and on the field.”
The successful completion of the first Sport Administrators Course for 2026 marks another significant step by NOC Sri Lanka in its ongoing commitment to developing knowledgeable, ethical, and capable sports administrators who can contribute effectively to the growth of sport both nationally and internationally.
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