The International Handball Federation (IHF) has requested clarification from Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports and National Olympic Committee (NOC) regarding the temporary suspension of the Handball Federation of Sri Lanka (HFSL). The inquiry, formalized in a letter dated June 11, 2026, raised concerns about procedural issues and potential violations of IHF statutes surrounding the suspension.
Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Sports issued the temporary suspension on May 19, 2026, as part of a broader administrative intervention affecting three national sports federations: handball, carrom, and hockey. The suspension was officially promulgated through Extraordinary Gazette No. 2489/48 on May 21, 2026, which transferred control of these federations to the Secretary to the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports. The Ministry justified the move as necessary to oversee the amendment of constitutions for compliance with Sri Lanka’s Sports Law No. 25 of 1973 and to conduct elections for new office bearers.
However, the IHF challenged the legitimacy of the suspension, citing Articles 9.5 and 9.11 of its statutes. These provisions emphasize the autonomy of member federations and forbid government or third-party interference without prior consultation. The IHF argued that the unilateral appointment of a government official to administer HFSL affairs constituted potential third-party interference. Furthermore, it underscored that any interim committee to manage a national federation should be appointed by the IHF itself, as stipulated in Article 9.11.
The IHF’s letter highlighted the federation’s concern that the local action violated the principle of independent governance essential to international sport governance, potentially exposing Sri Lanka to sanctions or prolonged suspension. This is not an isolated case; suspensions of local sports bodies due to administrative disputes have become a recurring issue in Sri Lanka.
In response, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka replied on August 25, emphasizing its commitment to uphold the Olympic Charter and protect the independence of national sports bodies. The NOC noted it was working closely with the Ministry of Sports to review the suspension’s circumstances, aiming to align local regulatory compliance with IHF statutes and avoid international conflict.
The HFSL remains recognized under the leadership of President Upali Rajapakse and Secretary Chinthaka Amal Mayadunna by both the IHF and the Asian Handball Federation. The HFSL was initially established in 2004 following the disappearance of 23 members of the national team—a team that reportedly never fully existed—under the guidance of former NOC President Hemasiri Fernando, who served as its founding chair.
As dialogue between the IHF, NOC, and Ministry of Sports continues, the situation underscores the ongoing tension between national sports governance and international federation statutes, particularly regarding autonomy and government involvement in sports administration.