Sri Lankan football has reached another historic milestone as Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar has been unanimously elected as the Vice President of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) at the SAFF Executive Committee meeting held in Bhutan.

Umar received the unanimous support of all seven SAFF Member Associations, securing votes from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, reflecting the confidence and respect he has earned across the South Asian football community, a statement said.

Having assumed the leadership of Sri Lanka Football just over two years ago, Jaswar Umar has spearheaded a remarkable transformation of the game in the country, it said. 

Under his leadership, Sri Lanka’s FIFA World Ranking has improved by more than 20 places, rising from 207 to 187 in a relatively short period. This represents the country’s highest ranking in over 15 years and stands as a testament to his vision, commitment, and strategic leadership.

Beyond international success, his administration has introduced a new era of good governance within the Football Federation of Sri Lanka, strengthened domestic competitions, expanded investment in youth development and grassroots football, and launched several initiatives aimed at building a sustainable future for the sport, the FFSL said.

This latest appointment further enhances Sri Lanka’s growing influence in international football administration. In addition to being elected SAFF Vice President, Jaswar Umar currently serves as a Member of the FIFA Grassroots Football Committee and a Member of the AFC Development Committee, appointments made in recognition of his contributions to football development and governance.

Football observers believe Sri Lanka Football is entering one of its most promising periods, with continued progress both on and off the field, the FFSL said, adding that attention now turns to the SAFF Championship in November, where Sri Lanka will aim to capture the regional title for the first time in decades.

Meanwhile, Kazi Salahuddin of Bangladesh has been re-elected unopposed as president of the South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) for a fifth consecutive term at the SAFF Congress in Thimphu, Bhutan, on Saturday.