Sri Lanka netball conflict takes new turn

Action from a match (File photo)

By Susil Premalal

Netball coaches affiliated with the Ministry of Sports are exerting various pressures through high-ranking officials while inviting applications for the selection of three coaching staffs by the Department of Sports Development for two upcoming international netball tournaments, the Daily Mirror learns.

The Department of Sports Development Director General Professor (Retired) Shemal Fernando has taken steps to invite applications for the post of Youth Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and Trainer in preparation for the Asian Youth Netball Tournament (June 14-21 in South Korea) and the World Youth Netball Championships (September 19-28 in Gibraltar).

However, it is reported that a group of netball coaches affiliated directly to the Department of Sports Development at the provincial level are using various methods to prevent highly qualified senior coaches from applying for these three positions.

The applications for the post of Sri Lanka Youth Netball Coach will end on January 27. It is reported that a senior official of the Department of Sports Development has personally addressed the senior coaches and proposed to offer them other positions.

If the pressure from these officials continues, the group of senior coaches who have been affected are ready to complain in writing to the sports minister and deputy sports minister.