The Independent Disciplinary Committee which is investigating the appeal made by sprinter Kalinga Kumarage has requested for explanations from the Sri Lanka Anti Doping Agency (SLADA) on why the lab in India that tested his urine sample was banned.
Kumarage was banned by SLADA early this year after receiving a positive report from the lab in India on the sample for allegedly using banned substances. However, the World Anti Doping Agency (WADA) had banned the lab in India in August this year for failing to conform to international standards for laboratories (ISL).
After WADA banned the Indian lab, Kumarage re-appealed to the Disciplinary Committee regarding the issue and WADA had asked for explanations from SLADA regarding Kumarage’s case. The two weeks period given to SLADA by WADA ended yesterday.
The Independent Disciplinary Committee comprised President’s Council Uditha Egalahewa (Chairman), Professor Rohini Fernandopulle and Dr. Nimal Gunaratne.
Speaking to the Sunday Observer Kumarage said that he was called for an inquiry by the Committee on October 4 and the chairman had said that if SLADA failed to submit their explanations by this date they will take a final decision regarding his ban.
“If there is no credibility on the report it is very unfair to take a decision based on that (India lab test) report,” said Kumarage the 400m sprinter.
Dr. Seevali Jayawickrama the Director General of SLADA said that he was not aware of the deadline and said that his legal officer will be at the inquiries.
“We have requested from WADA a report on the banning of the laboratory in India and whether the reports were valid or not, we did not receive any comments from the world body and hope we will receive it in the coming weeks,” said Dr. Jayawickrama.
He said that seven athletes are currently facing disciplinary actions over positive dope tests.
In a similar incident in May 2016, Sri Lanka cricketer Kusal Janith Perera successfully challenged a doping suspension that proved to be beyond reasonable doubt that the testing process of the WADA accredited lab in Qatar was faulty.
After withdrawing his provisional suspension, the International Cricket Council released a statement apologising to the cricketer.