At a special occasion yesterday (18), J. Sri Ranga was appointed as the new President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL). Many retired players and former officials who represented the Sri Lankan national team were present at the occasion.

Speaking to the media, Ranga said: “I did not expect so much representation for such an occasion. There is no difference between those who voted against me and those who supported me. From today onwards, we all have to embark on a journey together. First of all, I plan to carry out an audit of the federation, following which, we will start working.” 

Ranga is scheduled to participate in a special observation of leagues outside Colombo next week.

In the meantime, the Court of Appeal issued an interim order yesterday informing the new officials, including Sri Ranga, to suspend duties in their respective roles until today (19).

The Appeal Court judges, namely Judges Sobitha Rajakaruna and Dhammika Ganepola, issued this order following consideration of a writ petition filed by former FFSL President Jaswar Umar, who has alleged that the election of the FFSL was conducted in an illegal manner.

The petitioner, Umar, claims that the authorities, stating that he was not qualified, had not permitted him to contest for the post of President, although his nomination to contest for the position of President was initially accepted by the nomination committee prior to the election, which took place on 14 January.

Subsequently, the respondent, J. Sri Ranga, who contested against Umar, was elected as the President of the football federation with three votes. 

The petitioner claims that he was severely wronged.

Accordingly, Umar has further requested the court to issue an order to the respondents to cancel the results of the recently held election and take steps to conduct a new election.

Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and the new officials elected to the federation have been named as respondents in the petition.