The official letter spelling out their demands has been handed over to the additional sports ministry secretary Saman Bandara with a copy to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremasinghe.

Among the demands of the sports officials are the payment of salaries and privileges, the removal of the Director General Ranjani Jayakody and the approval of funds to start the first segment of the National Games.

The protest letter has also accused Ranjani Jayakody of not being able to streamline a proper plan and system for the conduct of the Games despite its charter that is some 40 years old and has the required agenda.

She has also been accused of usurping the functions of the Sports Ministry Secretary that is paving the way for the complete destruction of sports in the country.

Another sticking point is a salary anomaly which is contrary to a directive issued in 2006.

Navin Dissanayake is the new Minister of Sports and ensuring the smooth running of the National Games is likely to be his first big challenge according to analysts.