Karuppiah Ramakrishnan of LNSports Network and Capital FM was re-elected president of the Professional Sport Journalists Association of Sri Lanka (PSJASL).
There were two contestants for the top post at PSJASL annual general meeting held at the Colts Cricket Club on Saturday. They were incumbent president Ramakrishnan and Pethum Sri Wijeyarathne from ‘ADA’ newspaper. After a secret ballot, Ramakrishnan whose name was proposed by senior journalist cum newly elected treasurer Sampath Perera of Sri Lanka Rupavahini and seconded by Prasad Senadeera of Kelidhara, won the election by six votes. The new committee headed by Ramakrishnan head will serve a two-year term.
The former treasurer Yohan Bhasura was elected general secretary uncontested after Wijeyarathne withdrew his nomination. Sampath C Perera was also unanimously elected as Treasurer.
Newly elected president Ramakrishnan said they were planning a few major projects with more focus on educational and professional training for journalists.He further said they hope to implement a degree program with the support of Kelaniya University and Birmingham University in the United Kingdom.
He also thanked the previous committee members for their support and hard work during the past two years during the pandemic.The general secretary Bhasura said they will abide by the constitution and go on a membership drive this year.Treasurer Perera stated that they hope to improve the financial strength of the association this year.
Office bearers:
President: Karuppiah Ramakrishnan
Secretary: Yohan Bhasura
Asst Secretary: Nuwan Udara Karunarathne
Treasurer: Sampath C Perera
Vice presidents: Susanthi Premachandra, Jayashantha Perera, Kasum Kelum, Neville Anthony.
National Organizer : Sudharshana Pieries
Committee members: Prasad Senadeera, Dinesh Perera, Lahiru Harshana, Sajeewa Dharmasena, Namal Pathirage, Sameera Peiris, Suminda Tharaka, Chaminda Gamini, Sureshi Gunasekara, Jayamal Chandrasiri, Lahiru Dushmantha, Nuwan Amarawansa, Asanka Hadirampela