Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage has said that he is fed up with his post to such a degree that he is contemplating retirement. 

Speaking to a local newspaper, he has said there was no dispute with the government but there were recurring conflicts with many sports officials and associations that almost urge him to resign. However, he is not leaving as it would be interpreted as a conflict with the government, Aluthgamage has added.

His criticism is mainly directed at certain officials in governing bodies of some sports, including athletics and hockey. He said that Palitha Fernando, who heads the Sri Lanka Athletics Association should be responsible for the collapse of the sport. However, the constitute associations are also to be blamed for electing them repeatedly. Similarly, the Hockey Association should be responsible for its collapse, the Minister has said.

Sri Lankan athletes, who once used to return with several medals at Asian Games, returned to the country after the 17th Asian Games in South Korea empty handed. Sri Lankan hockey team was 12th out of 12 contesting teams.

Aluthgamage praised Sri Lanka Cricket for supporting his decision to send strong teams for the Asian Games cricket tournament which allowed Sri Lanka to win its only medals at the Games.

He has added that he has tried to change the archaic practices and lethargic officials. But, when he attempts to force his policies, the officials complain to the International Olympic Committee of political interferences, the Minister has lamented.

He said there have been drastic improvements but there were a lot to do. He was planning to introduce new measures so that the sports get the benefit and the control of lethargic officials is limited, Aluthgamage has added.