Overcoming bureaucratic hurdles to build a world-class future for Sri Lankans COACH JJ’S VISION FOR BASKETBALL

By Allaam Ousman  

The 5th edition of the BE Sri Lankan Basketball Camp 2025 was successfully held from March 19 to 22 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium in Colombo. Led by USA Basketball Youth and Sport Development Director Coach Don Showalter and former NBA D-League player Tony Townsend, the camp attracted over 200 participants, all of whom received a USA Basketball Youth Development Certified certificate personally signed by Coach Showalter.  

“On March 19, we also conducted a Coaches Clinic accredited by USA Basketball, with over 35 coaches participating. Each coach was awarded a USA Basketball Youth Development Certified certificate from Coach Showalter,” stated Keshav Perera, founder of BE Sri Lankan Basketball Academy.  

The camp continued over two days, with sessions for the 11-14 age group on March 21 and for the 15-19 age group on March 22. “Coach Showalter was particularly impressed by the talent on display. Upon his return to the USA, he plans to inform USA Basketball about the camp’s success and the potential for basketball development in Sri Lanka. He also expressed interest in bringing more international camps and coaches to Sri Lanka in the future, with aspirations to establish a five-year youth development programme,” revealed Perera.  

“We also aim to invite teams from the Maldives, India, Nepal, Australia, and the UK to participate in this initiative. This not only benefits basketball development but also has the potential to boost Sri Lanka’s tourism industry,” Perera added.  

Students listening attentively to Keshav Perera during the 5th BE Sri Lankan Basketball Camp held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium

Following the camp, Coach Showalter and his family were treated to a three-day cultural and wildlife tour of Sri Lanka, sponsored by Cinnamon Hotels. Perera extended his gratitude to Kamal Munasinghe and Virosh Perera from Cinnamon Hotels for their generous support.  

“A special thank you goes out to our event sponsors, including food partner Ceylon Kernels, PR partner Natalie Seneviratne at The Fullhouse Collective, and key sponsors Solar Booze Pvt Ltd and Darington Construction. I would also like to acknowledge our media partners, including AshenSriLanka (Ashen Perera), HI TV (Danu Innasithamby), Fox FM, Sirasa TV, Daily Mirror, Sunday Times, and Hurray.lk, for their exceptional coverage,” he stated.  

However, the event faced significant challenges due to the lack of cooperation from the Basketball Federation, says Perera also known internationally as Coach JJ. “We had to cancel the camp session for the under-16 age group on March 20 because the Basketball Federation scheduled national team trials for U16 girls and boys at the last minute. We had informed them about our camp a month in advance and even extended an invitation for the U16 teams to attend. Their lack of interest and poor planning resulted in unnecessary disruptions,” Perera explained.  

He further highlighted the Federation’s inefficiency. “On the evening of March 19, the Federation suddenly requested a session with Coach Showalter. This was highly unprofessional, as we had already finalised the camp schedule. The Federation must learn to be more organised and professional in their approach. I had informed them two weeks prior that this would be an invaluable opportunity for our U16 teams to prepare for the South Asian Championship in May. Yet, they failed to recognise the importance of a 10-time gold medal-winning coach like Showalter working with our players.”  

Perera lamented the internal politics within the Federation, which he believes hinders Sri Lankan basketball’s progress. “Some individuals in the Federation see my efforts as a threat rather than an opportunity for growth. I have connections with USA Basketball and FIBA, which could open doors for Sri Lankan players. Yet, our own Federation remains indifferent while players from other countries come to train with me. It is frustrating to see such resistance to progress,” he stated.  

Addressing broader issues within Sri Lankan basketball, Perera emphasised the need for strategic development. “For Sri Lanka to excel in basketball, we must develop our coaches and implement internationally recognised training programmes. The Federation should not function based on personal agendas but instead serve the sport. Long-term planning is essential; selecting teams at the last minute for international tournaments will never yield success.”  

He also called for more competent leadership within the Federation. “Officials should have experience playing at the A-Division or national level. This would ensure passionate and knowledgeable individuals are guiding the sport’s development,” he asserted.  

Perera’s frustrations extended beyond the Federation to the Sports Ministry and Sugathadasa Stadium management. “Despite attempting to meet with the Sports Minister for two days, I was met with complete disinterest. I left the camp proposal at the Ministry, yet no action was taken. Additionally, securing the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium was a nightmare. The management, including the Chairman and Director, displayed a complete lack of coordination and professionalism. Security staff expected tips, and despite paying over one million rupees, we encountered constant difficulties. After lengthy negotiations, we secured the venue for 1.3 million rupees, cutting costs on our end. Yet, the cancellation of the U16 session on March 20 meant the Federation refused to refund us for that day,” he recounted.  

Despite these hurdles, Perera remains committed to the growth of Sri Lankan basketball. “Organising basketball events in Sri Lanka has always been challenging, but I am determined to keep collaborating internationally and bringing top-tier basketball programmes to this country. I love basketball, and I will not stop working to see Sri Lanka playing world-class basketball in the near future,” he pledged.