There has been some favouritism taking place in selecting the team of weight lifters after conducting trials by the Sir Lanka Weightlifting Association recently.
These trials were held to select teams to participate in the Commonwealth Weightlifting championship to be held in New Zealand from November 29 to December 4 and an Asian tournament to be held in Dubai from December 4 to 8.
Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe had to intervene and hold discussions with the officials of the Sri Lanka Weightlifting Association who were told that if any injustice has been done to any sportsperson it is his responsibility to deal with it.
The Minister’s attention was drawn to the problem that has arisen regarding the non-participation of leading weightlifter Ransilu Jayathilaka at the selection trials.
The Minister then instructed the president of the association to give back the opportunity for Jayathilaka to contest the trials.
The Minister had instructed the association to conduct the trials again under the supervision of representatives of the Sports Ministry.
He was also made to understand that nearly a hundred sportswomen are engaged in weightlifting under eight weight categories.
Discussions were also held regarding training activities, selection trials and visa facilities to send these athletes for those events to be held shortly.
Secretary to the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Dr. Amal Harsha de Silva and Chairman of the National Sports Council Arjuna Ranatunga also attended these discussions.