Hemasiri re-elected, HU beaten at NOC elections

Incumbent Secretary General Commander (Rtd) H.U. Silva failed to retain his position as he was beaten by SLTA President Maxwell de Silva by six votes to 14 at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) elections held at the Olympic House, Colombo yesterday.

Commander Silva, who has been the Secretary General of the NOC for the last 12 years, winning three successive elections, failed to retain his place when he sought re-election for another four-year period. Silva entered the NOC in 1997 from Sri Lanka Archery Association.

De Silva, the SLTA chief who has been a Vice President of the NOC, had a majority of eight votes to be elected new Secretary General of the NOC. De Silva, who has rendered yeomen service to promote tennis under Suresh Subramaniam, has also played a key role at the NOC, heading the National Olympic Academy (NOA).

Despite Commander Silva’s defeat, former Sri Lanka marksman, Hemasiri Fernando was re-elected President for a record fourth four-year term. He was uncontested. Gamini Jayasinghe was elected Treasurer uncontested.

It was in 1997 that Fernando and Commander Silva made their way to the NOC as President and Secretary General, replacing Roy de Silva and Prema Pinnawale respectively. Fernando, who has been a live wire at the Olympic Council of Asia, first entered the NOC ex-co as a Vice President in 1995.

Presidents of the national controlling bodies for athletics and volleyball Major General Palitha Fernando and Minister Dilan Perera, along with Joseph Kenny, are the three new faces amongst the six NOC VPs. Dian Gomes of boxing fame, Deva Henry and football heavyweight Manilal Fernando have been re-elected as Vice Presidents.

All six posts were uncontested. (DW)