Colombo Chief Magistrate Asanga S. Bodaragama yesterday (17) imposed an overseas travel ban on ten Sri Lankan athletes who allegedly failed to return to the country after participating in the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
The order follows submissions made by the Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Sports-Related Offences, which informed the court that the absconding athletes had caused a financial loss of nearly Rs. 50 million to the government. The Unit further said that steps are underway to issue Interpol red notices against the ten individuals.
Investigations were initiated based on a complaint lodged by the Director General of Sports, after it was revealed that the athletes had travelled to the UK as part of Sri Lanka’s official delegation but neither competed in their respective events nor returned to the country.
Charges have been filed under Sections 5 and 6 of the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act No. 24 of 2019.
The travel ban applies to the following athletes: Asela de Silva, Chamila Dilani, S. Chathuranga, Y. Nicholas, Ashen Rashmika, S. Malintha, Sriyanthika Fernando, Sanjeewa Rajakaruna, and Jeevantha Vimukthi Kumara.
Chief Inspector Supun Widanage, Head of the Special Investigation Unit, told the court that 116 athletes represented Sri Lanka at the Birmingham Games, along with 28 coaches, 11 officials, and 4 medical officers. Of these, three wrestlers, two judokas, two boxers, and two volleyball players were among those who failed to return, resulting in significant financial losses.
After reviewing the submissions, Magistrate Bodaragama ordered the foreign travel ban on the ten suspects and directed the authorities to continue investigations and report progress to the court.
