October 19, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lankan authorities have begun legal proceedings to track down a group of athletes and officials who failed to return home after participating in the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The government is now preparing to issue international arrest warrants through Interpol, a court in Colombo was informed on Friday.
The Chief Magistrate’s Court has imposed overseas travel restrictions on ten individuals suspected of remaining illegally in the United Kingdom after disappearing from the Games Village. According to the Offences Prevention Unit of the Sports Ministry, their unauthorised stay has led to an estimated financial loss of approximately LKR 50 million — roughly USD 150,000 — due to state-funded travel and accommodation costs.
Police Inspector Supun Vidanage, who is heading the inquiry, told the court that a total of 177 people formed Sri Lanka’s official delegation to the Games, including 116 athletes and over 60 support staff. Among them were representatives in boxing, judo, wrestling, and volleyball. Following the conclusion of the event, nine athletes, a team official, and a sports photographer reportedly went missing.
“These individuals left the Games Village during or shortly after the event and failed to return as scheduled,” Vidanage stated, adding that the next step involves securing domestic arrest warrants before moving to request Interpol red notices for their capture and extradition.
He stressed that formal court action is a necessary precursor to international cooperation through Interpol. Once warrants are issued locally, authorities will move forward with engaging global law enforcement channels.
The 2022 Commonwealth Games were held from late July to mid-August, during a period of deep economic and political instability in Sri Lanka. The nation had, by that time, declared itself bankrupt following a sovereign debt default and widespread public protests. Despite these challenges, Sri Lanka managed to secure a silver and a bronze medal, placing 31st in the final medal tally.
Legal proceedings are being carried out under the Prevention of Offences Relating to Sports Act, a legislative framework introduced in 2019 to address misconduct and corruption within the realm of sport.
The law enables the state to pursue those who violate agreements or cause undue financial or reputational harm to national sporting institutions.
