National Water Polo Coach Resigns Over Selection Dispute

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka National Water Polo Coach Thanura Abeywardena has resigned from his position, alleging political interference, disrespect towards the coaching staff, and a flawed player selection process ahead of the 2026 Asian Aquatics Championship.

In his resignation, Abeywardena claimed that the original national squad was selected following official trials conducted from May 15-17, with the top 18 players being named on May 20 without any objections being raised.

However, according to the coach, complaints received by the National Sports Selection Committee (NSSC) on May 25 resulted in a fresh trial being ordered with only 48 hours’ notice. He alleged that coaches and official selectors were later asked to leave the venue while new selectors conducted trials behind closed doors.

Abeywardena stated that the retrial process lacked transparency and fairness and disrupted athletes who had already committed to the original selection programme. He further alleged that key players were disadvantaged during the revised selection process.

Among his concerns, the coach highlighted what he described as a lack of support for water polo development, disrespect shown towards coaches by sports administrators, and public allegations of bias against the coaching team.

“Passion has a breaking point. I could not be part of a process that treated athletes unfairly,” Abeywardena said in a statement.

Calling for intervention, he urged the Ministry of Sports to investigate the selection controversy and address what he described as systemic issues affecting athletes and the sport.

Abeywardena said he stepped down with a clear conscience, warning that Sri Lankan water polo could face further setbacks if coaches and athletes continue to be treated unfairly.