Mother and daughter at loggerheads for netball election

By Susil Premalal 

It may not come as a surprise in the country, but a mother and daughter are set to contest the posts of president of the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka at its election scheduled for January 22.

Their names on the list of electoral candidates will appear as VJH Netthikumara and RP Netthikumara.

Former SLNF president Lakshmi Victoria has not submitted her nomination for the election.

After a prolonged period of inactivity, the election of the Sri Lanka Netball Federation (SLNF) will be held at 11.00 am at the Duncan White Memorial Auditorium, Ministry of Sports in Colombo. 

The election is being conducted by the Department of Sports Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports under the supervision of a four-member Election Committee chaired by retired High Court Judge Irangani Perera ensuring transparency and adherence to sports governance regulations.

Representatives from 26 district netball associations affiliated with the SLNF will cast their votes to elect a new office-bearers panel for a two-year term in accordance with its Constitution.

According to the list of accepted nominations, the positions of Treasurer and Assistant Treasurer have already been filled uncontested, while elections will be held for the posts of President (one), Vice Presidents (two), Secretary, Assistant Secretary and Tournament Secretary.

Former SLNF president Lakshmi Victoria has not submitted nominations for this election. Three new candidates are contesting for the president’s post, with a notable feature being that two of the nominees are a mother and daughter.
Their names are given as VJH Netthikumara and RP Netthikumara.

The newly elected administration will face major challenges, including preparations for the 14th Asian Senior Netball Championship in Hong Kong and securing qualification for the 2027 Netball World Cup in Sydney.

Accepted nominations – SLNF Election (2025–26)

President:
VJH Netthikumara (Kalutara)
RP Netthikumara (Kandy)
DP Vitharana (Public Services)
Vice President (2 posts):
Yamuna Gunasekara (Kalutara)
JMP Kumarihami (Kandy)
Kumudini Gomes (Western Province)
Secretary:
Damayanthi Jayathilaka (Gampaha)
KASP Kuruppu (Ratnapura)
Assistant Secretary:
LB Nishanthi Liyanage (Kurunegala)
Subani Udawatte (Torrington SC)
GCP Alwis (Public Services)
Treasurer:
BD Sumithra (Public Services) – Uncontested
Assistant Treasurer:
DRCS Tennekoon (Public Services) – Uncontested
Tournament Secretary:
WDDK Wilarachchi (Torrington SC)
JAS Mangalika (Mawathagama SC)