The Colombo Chief Magistrate, Asanga S. Bodaragama, today (17) issued an overseas travel ban on ten Sri Lankan athletes who reportedly 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 caused a financial loss of nearly Rs. 50 million to the government. The Unit informed the court that steps are also being taken to issue red notices against the ten individuals.
Investigations are being carried out based on a complaint lodged by the Director General of Sports. Officials informed the court that the athletes had travelled to the UK to represent Sri Lanka at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, but did not take part in the events and failed to return 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 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 represented Sri Lanka at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, along with 28 coaches, 11 officials, and 4 medical officers.
Among them, three wrestlers, two judokas, two boxers, and two volleyball players reportedly did not return to Sri Lanka after the competition, resulting in a substantial loss to the state.
After considering the submissions, the Magistrate ordered that a foreign travel ban be imposed on the ten suspects, while further investigations are ongoing. (Newswire)