WADA Suspends Sri Lanka’s Anti-Doping Agency

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has officially declared the National Anti-Doping Organization (SLADA) of Sri Lanka non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, effective today.

This decision follows WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) meeting held on 27 March 2025, where it endorsed the recommendation of the independent Compliance Review Committee (CRC) to place Sri Lanka’s NADO on the compliance watchlist. The move was based on a review of Sri Lanka’s legal framework, which failed to meet the standards outlined in the International Standard for Code Compliance by Signatories (ISCCS).

Upon being added to the watchlist, Sri Lanka was given a four-month window to implement a corrective action plan. However, as of 29 July 2025, the required legal amendments had not been adopted. On 28 July, WADA issued a formal notice of non-compliance. Sri Lanka did not contest the allegations, proposed consequences, or reinstatement conditions within the 21-day deadline. As per ISCCS Article 9.3.1, the non-compliance is now deemed admitted, and the consequences are enforceable with immediate effect.Loss of WADA Privileges and Broader Restrictions on SLADA

Following its designation as non-compliant with the World Anti-Doping Code, the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency (SLADA) faces the following consequences, effective immediately:

Loss of WADA Privileges

• SLADA representatives are barred from holding positions on WADA boards, committees, or affiliated bodies.
• SLADA is ineligible to host or co-host any event organized or supported by WADA.
• SLADA is excluded from participation in WADA programs, including the Independent Observer Program and Outreach initiatives.
• SLADA will not receive WADA funding, either directly or indirectly, for development activities or program participation.

Broader Restrictions

• SLADA representatives are ineligible to serve on boards, committees, or other bodies of any Code Signatory or their member organizations until reinstatement.
• Sri Lanka is disqualified from hosting regional, continental, or global championships, as well as other events organized by Major Event Organizations, until SLADA regains compliance.

WADA will notify other Code Signatories to assist in enforcing these consequences.

Other Non-Compliant Signatories

Sri Lanka joins three other non-compliant Code Signatories:

•            Russian Anti-Doping Agency (RUSADA)

•            International Federation of Basque Pelota (FIPV)

•            International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB)