Athletes of high-performance pool contracted

Members of the track and field high-performance pool and Department of Sports Development (DSD) signed a contract for a one-year period yesterday following several negotiations.
Earlier all athletes had refused to sign the contracts as presented due to several concerns, including the fact the agreement did not include how much funding they would receive, though the agreement included clauses which bound them in other ways.
Later, Director General DSD Amal Edirisooriya and Chairman of National Sports Council Mahela Jayawardanahad promised athletes a separate letter will be issued by DSD signed by theDG ensuring funding of Rs 100,000 per month, which will part of the contract.
Following the promise by DG and a prominent figure in the caliber of Jayawardana, athletes had agreed to sign the contact in the afternoon, and were assured the first payment will be deposited to their account within a week.
Earlier, Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa had announced for the first time in Sri Lanka National athletes attached to the high-performance pool will be contracted and receive several benefits. During a meeting attended by officials of DSD, Sri Lanka Athletics, members of the High-Performance Committee, National athletes of high-performance pool and their coaches, Minister Rajapaksa made several promises, stating athletes will receive a monthly benefit of Rs 100,000, while coaches of the athletes will get Rs 50,000.
However, none of the coaches were invited yesterday, nor have they been provided with a contract or funding yet. When athletes had queried about them, DG and Jayawardana had promised that coaches will be given said amounts on a later date. The signed agreement is valid for a period of 12 months from 15 March 2021,but DSD has the option to terminate the agreement giving one month’s notice.
Meanwhile, as per section 3 (N) of the contract, athletes agree not to make any public statement for a period of 18 months – though the contract ends in 12 months – while they will have to seek prior approval from th eHigh-Performance Department.
“(N) Not make any public statement orally, in writing and/or in any other manner or form or write any article or release any publication or partake in any broadcast during the tenure of this Agreement and for an additional period of Six (06) months thereafter without prior approval of the High-Performance Department.”
Earlier, Director, DSD I.P.Wijerathne, instructed athletes not to speak to the media when training of national athletes resumed following COVID-19 pandemic, and now the same clauses have been included in a legal document, which raises eyebrows as athletes will not be able to make any statement even if they are ill-treated or promises made are not fulfilled, just as has been done throughout the last two decades.