Dian Gomes Accused of Undermining Boxing Selection Procedures and Misusing International Opportunities
Serious concerns have been raised regarding the participation of a Sri Lankan boxer in the Les Ceintures Boxing Tournament 2026 held in France. According to allegations, former President of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association, Dian Gomes, facilitated the participation of a boxer without obtaining the required approval from either the Ministry of Sports or the national boxing governing body.
It is alleged that Yasindu Premarathna, a boxer affiliated with Westgate Sports Club, a private sports club associated with Dian Gomes, was entered into the tournament despite not having competed in major national-level boxing championships in Sri Lanka. Reports indicate that the athlete had only participated in school-level competitions prior to being sent to represent Sri Lanka at the international event.
Further concerns have been raised regarding the coaching arrangements for the tournament. The athlete’s coach was reportedly his father, Nalin Premarathna, who is also the president of Mihindu Boxing Club, a registered boxing club under the Sri Lanka Boxing Association. Critics argue that such arrangements raise questions about transparency, merit-based selection, and fairness to other athletes who have dedicated years to competing at national level.
Under Sri Lankan sports regulations, athletes selected to represent the country in international boxing competitions are generally required to go through an official selection process conducted by the national federation. The selected names are then forwarded to the National Sports Selection Committee, after which approval must be obtained from the Department of Sports Development and the Ministry of Sports. Allegations suggest that these procedures were not followed in this instance.
Critics further claim that Dian Gomes has repeatedly used his influence and international connections to facilitate overseas travel opportunities under the guise of sporting participation. They allege that his position within international boxing circles has enabled him to bypass established regulations and support individuals seeking access to European visas through sports-related events.
These allegations are not entirely new. Similar concerns emerged following the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England, where four members of Sri Lanka’s boxing contingent reportedly absconded after arriving in the United Kingdom. Subsequent discussions surrounding the incident raised questions about the selection process and whether all athletes included in the team had earned their places through merit.
One frequently cited example is boxer Nicholas Vitalis, who allegedly was selected despite having lost to a Sri Lanka Navy boxer during the official selection process. Another athlete, Sanjeewa Rajakaruna, was reportedly included in the Commonwealth Games squad despite not participating in all the required selection events. Critics maintain that both selections were made due to the intervention of Dian Gomes.
Following the tournament, both athletes were among those reported to have absconded, contributing to a controversy that attracted significant public attention and prompted investigations. Those raising these concerns argue that responsibility for such incidents should also extend to the officials involved in the selection and approval processes.
According to critics, these incidents are not isolated cases but part of a broader pattern in which sporting opportunities are allegedly used for purposes unrelated to athletic development. They contend that such actions undermine the integrity of boxing in Sri Lanka and disadvantage deserving athletes who have earned opportunities through performance and dedication.
Concerns have reportedly been brought to the attention of the current administration of the Sri Lanka Boxing Association on several occasions. However, those making the allegations claim that insufficient action has been taken to investigate or address the issues raised.
If these allegations are proven true, they would represent a serious breach of the principles of fairness, transparency, and meritocracy that should govern national sports administration. Stakeholders within Sri Lankan boxing are therefore calling for greater accountability, stricter enforcement of selection procedures, and measures to ensure that international representation is awarded solely on merit and in accordance with the law.