The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, yesterday (17) issued an overseas travel ban on ten Sri Lankan athletes who allegedly failed to return to the country after participating in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
According to the Special Investigation Unit for the Prevention of Sports-Related Offences, the absconding athletes have caused an estimated financial loss of nearly Rs. 50 million to the government. The Unit informed the court that measures are being taken to issue red notices against the ten individuals.
Investigations were launched following a complaint lodged by the Director General of Sports, alleging that the athletes had travelled to the UK to represent Sri Lanka but did not participate in the scheduled events and failed to return after the conclusion of the Games.
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 was imposed on 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 for the Prevention of Sports-Related Offences, told the court that 116 athletes, along with 28 coaches, 11 officials, and 4 medical officers, represented Sri Lanka at the Birmingham Games. Among them, three wrestlers, two judokas, two boxers, and two volleyball players reportedly absconded in the UK.
After reviewing the submissions, the Magistrate ordered an overseas travel ban on the ten suspects pending further investigations.
