Somitha seeks extension as coach for SL Netball Team

By Susil Premalal

National Netball Coach Somitha de Alwis has requested for a term of extension from the Sri Lanka Netball Federation (SLNF) after her initial period of one year was hampered due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
She was appointed to the post in July 2020 by the previous SLNF regime while targeting the 2020 Asian Senior Netball Championships in South Korea, which was put off due to the pandemic.

The Sri Lanka Netball Team could not compete in any international tournament or conduct any training sessions for the past two years due to the pandemic and Somitha’s contract is set to expire on December 31, 2021.  “Yes, it was difficult to conduct any training programmes during this period and I have asked the relevant authorities to extend my services for another year,” Somitha told the Daily Mirror yesterday.

“Whether my request for another term of extension as the national netball coach is accepted or not is up to the SLNF to decide,” she added.

Somitha is a veteran netball player, former Sri Lanka captain and a top coach having guided Hatton National Bank (HNB) to win the national title on several occasions.

However, SLNF Secretary Kumuduni Gomes revealed that they have not yet taken a decision on extending Somitha’s term or whether they would call for fresh interviews to select a qualified national coach.