Badminton moves into top gear on new course 

Members of the Badminton Academies Evaluation Committee

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB), under the leadership of its President Roshan Gunawardena, has inaugurated the Badminton Academies Evaluation Committee with veteran badminton administrator Chamara Aluthge appointed as its inaugural chairman. The formation of the committee, proposed by former SLB President Rohan de Silva, was officially ratified at a Special General Meeting of the SLB.

The newly formed committee will oversee and evaluate the activities of badminton academies across Sri Lanka. Alongside Aluthge, the committee comprises well-known badminton personalities Palitha Hettiarachchi, Divker Rathnadorei, Sanjeewa Wijesekara and Renu Chandrika de Silva, all bringing extensive expertise to the initiative.

Under a systematic strategy devised by the Committee, the country has been divided into five zones, with Western Province designated as Zone ‘A’ and given priority. In its initial phase, 17 promising players have already been identified through an application process involving accredited academies in Zone ‘A’. These players will receive enhanced training facilities, expert coaching and support resources.

In addition, the SLB’s Selection Committee will work in tandem with the Evaluation Committee to identify and support up to 26 talented players nationwide, providing them with benefits similar to those of the national squad — including playing kits, gear, nutrition, allowances and expert training.

Seventeen badminton academies from the Western Province have already been evaluated and categorized under grades such as ‘A’, Super ‘A’, ‘A+’, ‘B’, ‘B+’, ‘C’, ‘C+’, and ‘D’ and granted contracts valid for one year. These academies will also receive necessary resources to strengthen their ability to nurture young talent.