Former National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka official Michael Karunathilake has died ©NOC Sri Lanka

"Deepest sympathies" have been paid by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka following the death of longstanding administrative secretary Michael Karunathilake.

Karunathilake was associated with the Olympic Movement in Sri Lanka from 1983 to 2015, when he retired due to ill-health. 

He served a similar secretarial role for both the NOC and the Commonwealth Games Association of Sri Lanka.

In January of this year he was awarded the International Olympic Committee Lifetime Award in recognition of this work.

A message of condolence posted on the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka website ©NOC Sri Lanka
A message of condolence posted on the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka website ©NOC Sri Lanka

"During his tenure at the NOC he was considered a pillar of strength to all the National Sports Organisations and Office Bearers of the NOC, with whom he worked very closely," a statement announcing his death explained.

“Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife and daughter.

"May he Rest in Peace.”

Karunathilake also served as a journalist and administrator.

Tributes have also been paid by the Olympic Council of Asia.