“I’m hopeful that Army Commander Lt.Gen Mahesh Senanayke will bring much needed discipline in sports for our country” – Faiszer Musthapha Minister of Provincial Councils Local Government and Sports

Subsequent to the appointment of Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayke as the Chairman National Selection Committee a meeting was held at the Duncan White Auditorium of the Sports Ministry presided over by Hon Faiszer Musthapha Minister of Provincial Councils Local Government and Sports and Lt.Gen Mahesh Senanayke and the heads of all sports associations and members of the selection committee on 4th July 2018. This was the first meeting that Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake had with the officials of the National Sports Associations since he took office

A crucial meeting was held regarding the athletes who are due to compete at the Asian sports festival scheduled to be held in Jakarta and Pelenbang Indonesia.

Minister Faiszer Musthapha stated that he expects the athletes to bring home a higher percentage of medals this time around. He pointed out that this is an opportunity for the participating athletes and the sports associations to show their colours. He stated that athletes taking part will be selected on the basis of their reaching the minimum standards for Asian athletes targeting achieving medals at the competitions. The Minister also said that any athlete who had an issue regarding selection could submit an appeal to Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake and a suitable investigation would be held and justice would be served.

Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake said that as a country we could conquer the world through sports and was thankful for the confidence placed in him in being appointed as the Chairman National Selection Committee and would use his knowledge and administrative skills for the betterment of Sports especially for the upcoming competition and future competitions. Addressing the officials of the Sports Associations he said that athletes not only bring glory to the country they also bring fame and all opportunities should be provided to them based on merits to achieve this end. He provided the Sports Association officials his personal telephone number and requested them to contact him on any issue. He also stated that he will be taking action to streamline the selection process and appeal process.

The Director General Sports Development Department Mr H M B P Herath and Director Sports I P Wijerathne participated at this event.