President of Football Federation of Sri Lanka(FFSL) Anura De Silva was elected as a Vice President of South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) during the Annual Congress held on April 11, in Dhaka,  Bangladesh. 

Mr. Kazi Salahuddin of Bangladesh became the President of SAFF with three Vice Presidents from Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Nepal. 

Anura De Silva the FFSL President said the opportunity has given an added value for him and the country and that he would look for all possible avenues to develop football in Sri Lanka using the new position and responsibility that comes his way. 

“The best achievement I have made even to become a VP is the revival of estranged relationship we had with other countries in the region, and my approach and cordial understanding really had paid dividends.” De Silva said.

Mr. De Silva further said that he proposed to SAFF to consider a U18 tournament for SAFF members on an annual basis, so that our youth would have a great opportunity to gain international experience & exposure at right time before their entry to elite level. 

“SAFF is considering a SAFF Schools Championship to promote the game at junior level onwards. SAFF also would get financial assistance from FIFA to a value of USD 1 Million for development in 2018.” he added.

Mr. De Silva is elected for a term of four years from 2018 and he has proposed to convene a SAFF Executive Committe meeting as soon as possible to streamline their activities and to workout proper strategies for implementation for the good of the game in SAFF region.