US basketball legends inspire a new era for Sri Lankan basketball : COLD SHOULDER FOR BE SRI LANKAN CAMP

By Allaam Ousman  

The Be Sri Lankan Basketball Camp 2025 is set to make history by bringing elite international coaching to young athletes in Sri Lanka — yet the Ministry of Sports and Sri Lanka Basketball Federation have remained silent, offering no support despite appeals. This groundbreaking event will feature two basketball legends: Don Showalter, Director of USA Basketball Youth and Sports Development and a 10-time USA Basketball world medallist, alongside former NBA D-League player and seasoned coach Tony Townsend, marks the first time a USA Basketball National Team Coach will lead a camp in South Asia. It presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for aspiring Sri Lankan players, aiming to reshape the future of basketball in the country.  

For Showalter, this visit marks a new chapter in his storied career. “I’ve coached USA junior national teams since 2009, working with players like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. I’m here to share that experience with the players and coaches in Sri Lanka. The goal is to help develop basketball and create pathways for athletes to pursue opportunities, even scholarships, in the USA,” he shared at a press conference yesterday.  

“This is my first time in Sri Lanka,” Showalter continued. “I’ve been all over the world for basketball, but this is a real thrill for me to be here and work with JJ (Keshav Perera) and Tony (Townsend). JJ came to my camp last summer, and we became good friends. That’s how this all started. I appreciate the invitation to be part of Be Sri Lankan Basketball Camp.”  
Keshav Perera, a former Sri Lanka national player and the only Sri Lankan accredited as an international basketball coach, underscored the camp’s broader mission. “Our goal is to develop basketball in Sri Lanka — to create opportunities for our players and coaches. We want to educate them, send them to international camps, and secure scholarships in the USA. This is more than just a camp; it’s about shaping the future of Sri Lankan basketball.”  

However, Perera didn’t hold back his disappointment over the lack of official support. “I spent two days in front of the Ministry of Sports trying to get their attention — no response. I even reached out to the Basketball Federation, but nothing came through. One contact managed to pass a message to the Sports Minister, and the response was, ‘Do we even have basketball in Sri Lanka?’ That was heartbreaking. We’re not asking for money; we’re asking for support to build something lasting for Sri Lankan basketball.”  

Sponsors have stepped in to fill the gap, ensuring the camp’s success. Virosh Perera, Marketing Director of Cinnamon Grand, expressed his pride in supporting the initiative. “What an honour to have these two legends here. I promised them a true Sri Lankan experience, and I’m excited to host them.”  

Nandika Herath, Managing Director of Solar Booze, echoed the sentiment. “When Keshav brought us this idea, it felt like a solid investment in the future of Sri Lankan basketball. We’re proud to be part of this journey.”  

Ashan Perera, Founder and CEO of Ceylon Kernell’s, emphasized the importance of nutrition for the young athletes. “We’re providing meals made from corn-based rice — a nutritious alternative to keep the kids energised after training. It’s a privilege to support this initiative.”  

Tony Townsend summed up the camp’s ultimate goal: “We’re here to inspire future basketballers in Sri Lanka. The talent is here — they just need the right guidance and opportunities.”  
The Be Sri Lankan Basketball Camp will run from March 19 to 22 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, featuring both a full-day coaches’ camp and a three-day players’ camp divided into two age groups. With over 100 children already training under the Be Sri Lankan Basketball Academy, this event promises to raise the bar for basketball in Sri Lanka and open new doors for young athletes.