10 December 2024 08:49 am Views - 46
Former Sri Lanka Captain Damayanthi Jayathilake warned that Sri Lanka could face a rapid decline if the current netball administration’s inaction continues in 2025.
The Sri Lanka Netball Federation (SLNF) is set to face two international tournaments in 2025 but if this situation continues, Sri Lanka’s reputation will be at stake.
The SLNF administration has been inactive throughout 2024 due to a Court order and as a result all domestic tournaments and the welfare of the players have come to a standstill.
Jayathilake stressed that former national and international-level players have been deliberately denied the opportunity to join the netball administration and blamed certain individuals, who have joined the administration solely for the purpose of gaining votes.
Jayathilake said that Sri Lanka have dropped in their standards following their setback at the 13th Asian Netball Championships in Bengaluru, India. having occupied the number one spot from 1985 to October 2024 time to time.
She pointed out that the lack of international exposure was the main cause for Sri Lanka’s downfall at the Asian Netball Championships.
She said that considering the current crisis in the netball administration, the Ministry of Sports should intervene immediately, unite the parties who have gone to Court, hold the upcoming elections and take immediate steps to restore the netball administration to normal.
Jayathilake also said that former team captains and players will take steps in the future to inform the Sports Minister and Deputy Minister about the current situation regarding the administration of netball and the potential risks that may arise in the future.