Sri Lanka to host the 15th Asian Junior Athletic Championship 2012 as scheduled

The Asian Athletics Association (AAA) has given the green light for Sri Lanka to host the 15th Asian Junior Athletics Championships 2012, as scheduled from June 09 to June 12 at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.

Earlier, it was announced by the Secretary of the Asian Athletic Association Maurice R. Nicholas that the event was cancelled indefinitely due to a petition received by the AAA from several former officials of Sri Lanka Athletic Association (SLAA) stating that the SLAA election which was held early this month was not free and fair.  

However, as a result of the discussions held between Maurice R. Nicholas, Minister of Sports Mahindananda Aluthgamage, President of the Sri Lanka Athletic Association Major General Daya Ratnayake and President of the National Olympic Committee Hemasiri Fernando, the Asian Athletics Association has given the green light for Sri Lanka to host the Asian Junior Athletics Championships, as previously planned.

The Minister has also forwarded a progress report  explaining the development process taken place with regard to Asian Junior Athletic Championship games.

Minister Aluthgamage also explained that the recently concluded SLAA election was free and fair and that it was held according to the rules and the regulations of the Sports Act 25 of 1973 (section 41). The SLAA has officially informed the Asian Athletic Association in this regard.

Nearly 900 sports personnel and officials from 43 countries are to participate in this event while 111 sports personnel from Sri Lanka will participate in this event.  

While condemning the disgraceful and shameless behavior of the former officials of the SLAA who sent the petition, the Minister said that as Sri Lankans it was our duty to build Sri Lankan image in overseas. An inquiry regarding the issue is to be conducted shortly and necessary action would be taken against them, the Minister said.