The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency have announced the hosting of the 18th Asia/Oceania Region Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport (AORIM). This prestigious event, organized in collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), took place on June 12-13, 2023, at Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Following the remarkable success of the previous meeting held in 2018, which witnessed the participation of 28 countries representing over 45 member countries from the Asia/Oceania region, Sri Lanka has once again been entrusted with the honor of hosting this influential forum. The previous event led to significant policy implementations and fruitful collaborations, furthering the cause of the Anti-doping movement.
Despite the formidable challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asia/Oceania region has made remarkable progress in embracing and promoting the principles of anti-doping. As a country, Sri Lanka is committed to continuing its efforts, fostering collaboration, and adopting a proactive approach to ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code.
With the establishment of Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) in 2013 under the convention against doping in sport act no. 33, SLADA has been able to guide and act as the national regulatory body to eradicate all forms of doping from Sri Lanka Sports. As the national anti-doping regulator, SLADA is now a fully-fledged unit and has achieved many firsts for the region including being one of the first to criminalize trafficking in sport and to have legislation to punish the athlete entourage.
The Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency firmly believes that hosting this meeting in Sri Lanka during these challenging economic times will not only enhance Sri Lanka’s global image as a safe destination but also contribute to strengthening international relations making a drug-free competitive environment in the region. The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency are aspired to bring together all anti-doping stakeholders of the region to collectively work towards improving the implementation of comprehensive and sustainable programs, thus reinforcing the protection of clean athletes.
Prof. Arjuna De Silva, Chairman – Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, commented, “The participation of Asia and Oceania in the global fight against doping in sports holds immense significance, given the substantial population and youth representation in these regions. This meeting will serve as a platform to foster solidarity among all attending countries, showcasing their progress and achievements in the fight against doping. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all those who have worked tirelessly to ensure the success of this event. Together, we can share knowledge, exchange experiences, and reinforce our commitment to creating a clean and fair sporting environment.”
The 18th AORIM presents an excellent opportunity for participating Governments to gain insights into the challenges specific to the Asia/Oceania region and understand the roles and responsibilities that Governments bear under the Code. The meeting will also feature in-depth discussions on WADA’s strategic priorities for 2023 and beyond, offering valuable guidance for future endeavors.
Commenting on this significant event, Dr. Seevali Jayawickreme – Director General, Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency, said, “The threat posed by prohibited substances and methods in sports is a global concern, and our primary focus must be on protecting athletes and their support personnel. Through education and raising awareness about the consequences of doping, we can mitigate this risk and ensure clean sport worldwide. I am excited about the opportunity presented by the 18th Asia/Oceania Intergovernmental Ministerial Meeting on Anti-Doping in Sport. This forum will provide a platform to discuss the strengths and weaknesses within our region and we are eager to learn from regional developments and research studies. This knowledge will enable us to make informed decisions and develop effective policies based on evidence-based findings.”
The event was graced by the presence of Eight Ministers from countries across the Asia/Oceania region, alongside delegates from more than 36 countries. Additionally, the World Anti-Doping Agency will be represented by ten esteemed members, including the President, Vice President, and the CEO.