The FFSL Presidential elections are scheduled to be held in May this year as former president Mr. Ranjith Rodrigo has filed his nominations alongside President Anura De Silva and Secretary Balendra Anthony, who have also shown interest in contesting for the hot seat.
It is understood that the unofficial coalition between the pair has shattered at the news of former President Mr.Ranjith Rodrigo showing his interest in contesting for the Presidency in the upcoming elections. Noteworthy, in 2015, with the blessing of Mr. Ranjith Rodrigo, Mr. Anura De Silva carried out a successful Presidential campaign.
It is also rumored that the secretary of FFSL Mr. Balendra Anthony has shown his interest in contesting for this year’s Presidency.
It is understood that Mr. Ranjith Rodrigo has not started his campaign for the upcoming elections despite his counterpart having already done so. There has been speculation of a fourth party contesting for presidency, however, the identity of the individual has not been revealed as the focus still remains on the three main contestants.
Earlier, during the press conference for the FA Cup Mr. Rodrigo expressed his initial interest in contesting for the upcoming Presidential elections.
“We are also trying, investing our time and work, to build this and take this (Sri Lanka Football) towards victory. People are asking am I coming back (to be President), Yes I am coming back. The sports constitution has been changed so I will be contesting for the President post next year,” were his remarks on that occasion.
Ranjith Rodrigo to contest for Presidency again
Former President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka Ranjith Rodrigo expressed his decision to contest for the Presidency once again…
Mr. Anura De Silva mentioned that considering the request of top officials and various football leagues he decided to contest in this year’s election. Further, Mr. Anura stated that there are no hard feelings between himself and Mr. Rodrigo, despite them going up against each other in the upcoming election.
“I was accused by many of running the management under the influence of Ranjith. In future it will be evident that I don’t dance to anyone’s music and the fact that I’m more than capable of being an independent leader. My decision to contest in this year’s election was to stand by that belief as well”.
“During the past times I have gotten so many cases regarding clarifying expenditure related to football. I have the ability to ensure the fact that this problem does not occur in the future. Many Leagues work hand in hand with us currently and I ask for their support as well. I worked quite hard for the leagues in the recent past” Mr. Anura further stated.
During the past elections, as a result of an amendment to sports legislation, the former president and current chairman of finance and media Mr. Ranjith Rodrigo expressed his pleasure in terms of the tussle for Presidency under the democracy he had created.
“The fact that I influenced the Presidential decisions are false accusations. Everything was carried out according to the legislation, as they worked within those boundaries. The answers will be given for the fact that I let out their mistakes during the Presidential elections. They should have resigned if they aren’t competent enough for the office. Without using the names of influential individual, I cordially invite whomever to contest me face to face” he mentioned further.
He went onto say “At the presence of the Minister of Sports and the Presidents of FIFA, Asia and South Asian football, I stated the fact that I aspire to become the next President while electing Anura as the Secretary. This is evident to all the sponsors who help football. They gave their consent on that occasion. However, the situation as changed now. As a person who held positions in both the Football Federation and internationally, in my 20 years of service in the executive committee I bore expenses from my own hand to serve the sport of Football”
ThePapare attempted to contact Mr. Anura De Silva, however, he was unavailable for comment on this matter.
