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Abstract

Sri Lanka Elle (SLE) is a unique batting team sport in Sri Lanka. SLE's unique qualities and skills not seen in any other internationally recognized sport ensure its presence on the international stage. This study aimed to develop the first step in preparing an Elle game for the international stage. Using the IOC principal governance structure to identify the research questions, the three main objectives are to identify internal stakeholders along with their capacity and demographics, to identify the stakeholder landscape, and to create a stakeholder map. The study employed thematic analysis as part of a qualitative research methodology, with a sample size of ten individuals selected from the Elle Federation of Sri Lanka (EFSL) and School Elle Association (SEA) through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the selected individuals. In examining the first research question, it became evident that human resources are the most crucial asset within the SLE sector. Internal stakeholders with control authority are primarily driven by self-gratification. There is a recognized need for these stakeholders to acquire a deeper understanding of organizational structures, as well as a growing demand for training in financial attraction and management to enhance their capabilities further. The second research question focuses on identifying the stakeholder landscape; it was revealed that the foundation of SLE lies in political and financial power. While Elle has historically settled in areas where both powers intersect, it has struggled to attract political support to the sport and generate commercial value. According to the third question, it was possible to create a map of internal stakeholders. What was special about this was that they were motivated only by the satisfaction of playing and waited for an opportunity to dedicate themselves to the game's development. The study suggests that organisations should explore Drucker's principles of organisational management.
Recommendations include developing strategic plans for SLE to motivate and attract new players, generating income, cultivating a public voice through engaging Elle fans, directing efforts towards the ministry, creating a website, engaging with mass media and modern technology, extending the executive board's term, and establishing district executive boards.

Language: English
Page range: 107 - 139
Published on: Dec 31, 2025
Published by: General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

© 2025 D. M. D. S. Dasanayaka, M. R. M. A. Jayasinghe, R. M. U. S. K. Rathnayake, W. S. E. C. Fernando, published by General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.