Vidanage, who won gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and silver in the 69 kg category in Delhi, returned a positive drug test for methylhexaneamine at the Asian Championships in China's Anhui province last month, it has been reported.

He has been provisionally suspended by the International Weightlifting Federation.

The 29-year-old was among four of Sri Lanka's leading competitors who last month were unveiled by officials bidding for Hambantota to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games as part of an Athletes Commission to help provide advice during the campaign.

"These athletes bring their experience and passion to a bid that promises a compelling combination of tradition and excitement," said Nivard Cabraal, the chairman of Hambantota 2018 when introducing the panel, including Vidanage.

"Through the Commission they will help to drive our 'Athletes Come First' policy, ensuring all athletes will be welcomed by capacity crowds in iconic venues and with facilities that exceed their expectations."

The scandal is another unwelcome distraction for Hambantota's bid just when they thought they had moved out from the shadow of a drugs scandal after boxer Manju Wanniarachchi, under pressure from Sri Lanka's Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, dropped plans to take the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following their decision to strip him of the gold medal he had won at last year's Commonwealth Games in New Delhi because of a positive test for anabolic steroids.

Vidanage's medal from Delhi is not in danger but it is a scandal that Hambantota could have done without.

Methylhexaneamine, which is commonly used as a nasal decongestant and is also a product in over-the-counter diet pills, was added to the World Anti-Doping Agency's banned list last year as a stimulant and has led to bans for a raft of athletes across various sports.

These include Nigerian sprinter Damola Osayemi, who was stripped of her Commonwealth Games gold medal she had won in the 100 metres following a positive test for the drug in Delhi.

Manchester City footballer Kolo Touré was also provisionally suspended in March after allegedly testing positive for the drug.

"I was shocked to learn about it as I have never been tested positive for a banned substance after being scrupulously tested everywhere I went from the Commonwealth Games ... to Delhi and at every Asian and South Asian championships," said Vidanage.

"I listed all what I use as supplements and energy drinks to the authorities who took the samples in China and to the local authorities.

"Other than those, I have not used any substance that will have an effect on my performance and I am ready to face any consequences if I am proved guilty."

Hambantota 2018 have said that they will not take any action until the disciplinary process has been completed.

"The actions of individuals must be dealt with in the first instance and in the appropriate manner by the relevant national and international federations," a spokeman told insidethegames.

"Once this process has run its course then Hambantota 2018 will make a decision based on the full facts.

"Hambantota 2018 supports any action which combats the use of drugs or cheating in sport and if necessary will take appropriate action but it is important to follow the correct procedures."

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