Sri Lanka Badminton: Trouble-Free or Love All?
The badminton headquarters at Maintland Place Pic by: Priyanka Samaraweera
A recent demystifying feature in a weekend paper had many sports bodies rudely surprised by the innuendo it liberally conveyed to sing the praises of one sports body. The article zooms in on the Badminton supremo Rohan de Silva, going on to claim that corruption and swindling is eschewed by this business icon who stands out as an exception in a sports firmament riddled with corruption. Wonder what the Ministry of Sports and the Sri Lanka National Olympic Committee has to say about this claim? The Sunday Times decided it is worthwhile to probe the story and take a closer look at the sport and its national body to understand what ticks and what mantra makes the Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) holier than the pope.
For sure, it is common knowledge that not only has de Silva showered the SLB with millions in funds but makes a conscious effort every day to ensure that SLB runs like a well-oiled machine. The passion and commitment shown is phenomenal and all those associated with the sport will vouch for that. What is therefore surprising is that de Silva wants to move on and handover the reins to a worthy successor who can continue the good work done. That is when the problem arises and those who follow the fortunes of badminton exclaim that the sport will unravel faster than a baseline smash, if that were to happen.
Those familiar with the present SLB outfit, know only too well that there is not one individual capable of meeting the expectations de Silva hopes for. The in-fighting that exists was well reflected in the covert battle for who was chosen as Manager of the SLB team to the Commonwealth and Asian Games. The decision is now made but the dust has not settled. Behind the facade of fair play, divisions have arisen which no doubt will carry into the future.
Who will succeed de Silva if decides to hand over the reins? Rumours are rife that he has chosen a favoured Vice President (VP). All know where this technical guru comes from, hanging on the tailcoats of well-trained match officials. These are the hangers-on that the newspaper article latched onto with finesse. It spelt out the calibre of honorary messiahs who claim they love the sport when all they want is a passage to Birmingham and Guangzhou and what comes next. So, it is clear to all and sundry that de Silva will need to look beyond this close circle of friends he commands, to head a national sports body with far reaching responsibilities.
Funds for fun. De Silva promises to raise the funds for the benefit of the succession plan he wants to put in place. As he himself states, spending should be for the game and not welfare. None of the VPs, knowledgeable badminton observes say, have ever spent a penny. Having enjoyed the pomp & pageantry for three years where every comfort was provided by the benevolent President, these pretenders they claim will take SLB to the cleaners.
Development is the focus, de Silva assures. The SLB boldly ventured to introduce a new constitution enlarging the Province to a District network of affiliates more than year ago. Nothing has happened since then and the paperwork remains in the cupboard, alleges most club organisers. Many SLB affiliates are jostling in controversy, in the run-up to their AGMs and elections and enquiries are underway to resolve several grievances including allegations of fraud. The same weekend newspaper claimed that someone is lying in badminton. Under the guise of COVID-19, the Regional Committee has been in deep slumber in spite of the considerable funds de Silva has provided for that work.
Provincial Tournaments are well run. But it is common knowledge that it is the SLB under the direct leadership of de Silva that carries the can. Observers say, take the President out of the equation and see the fun. Badminton is not a popular sport from a sponsorship perspective. Thus, the colossal expense of these tournaments is unsustainable, without the personal sponsorship that principally comes from de Silva’s diverse businesses.
Administrative excellence. It is apparent that the SLB does well in this regard but many excesses have surfaced since of late. The refurbishments are praiseworthy, but reference to a 5-star hotel is hilarious to say the least, as a cursory inspection revealed. The CEO position has been discontinued and a new manager did not last a month. It is reported that the Secretary is the Lord of all he surveys, but more perplexing is a draconian rule that no one is permitted to enter the first floor offices; not even the well regarded VP’s who head the working committees.
Player development and management. Overall a good result with many recent improvements in performance and international ranking. However, many feel that the standards are not commensurate with the huge investment made. There is a lot of criticism about the methodology concerning the selection of players. Even Niluka Karunaratne’s wild card entry to the Tokyo Olympics, though he had announced his retirement, has been widely questioned. Some young players who choose to remain outside the SLB pool are victimized it is alleged. The recruitment of a top class coach in Rosobin is a big step forward and a paradigm shift in training is noticeable. It is felt that the run-up to the Commonwealth and Asian Games later this year, will demonstrate if SLB has turned the corner and is poised to challenge the higher ranked international stars.
Our verdict having spoken to several persons closely associated with the sport is that it is crucial that Rohan de Silva continues as President. Anything short of that will quickly result in a meltdown at Maitland place, many Badminton aficionados believe. The Sri Lanka sports firmament will no doubt keep a close watch on how the shuttle travels in the time to come. Whether it will rekindle wider interest or end up in a customary swindle, is anybody’s guess.
 Rohan de Silva, SLB President
Yes, not immediately, but in June this year on completion of three years, I hope to step down.
No, I’m not promoting. I will support anybody who comes. There are seven Vice Presidents, so there are so many capable people. One of them will have to be elected.
If it’s only me, who’s stepping down, then it would be only for that post. But if all of them also step down, then it would be a new election. The vice presidents have not mentioned anything. I officially announced at the last general council meeting. There’s no time frame. Election would go on as per the constitution.
I am offering them a sponsorship agreement for three years. In that agreement, there will be certain conditions laid out, through that I will monitor. Basically, sponsorships will go to the tournaments, training programmes, promotions, cost of shuttle cocks – which is the biggest running cost of the office. So direct expenses like that.
We have a vision and a mission. Vision and mission is very clearly stated in the objectives. Promoting badminton in the country is most important and basically it’s all around that objective. Vision- To be the most vibrant and popular sport in Sri Lanka aiming to produce players within the top 25 in World Ranking in four years – 2024. Mission- Build character and sportsmanship while striving for success in the sport. Provide equal opportunities nationwide for participation and competition in the sport. Nurture players and develop them to international standards. Compete on world stages and bring glory to our motherland.
Yes, definitely, yes. Because, actually what happened was on the performances of what they have done, like the recent tournaments and the international events. Two players took part in Men’s Doubles,, Women Doubles and Mixed Doubles; they performed very well and for the first time, they won medals.
Actually, at the moment, we have not done the final selections. Final selections will be done only at the end of April. We’re having the selection committee of Sri Lanka Badminton, funded by the Ministry of Sports, who are conducting the trials by the first week or second week of April. From that trial, the team will be selected. Winning a Medal; my biggest target is actually, Buvaneka and Sachin in the MD and Sachin and Thilini in the XD. Those are the two major events we’re focusing on, actually.
That, I don’t want to comment on. Actually, It’s up to the SLB to decide.
They’re performing and coordinating well with the new coach.
No, not at all. There’s no such thing. Because I’m in-charge of the national pool, so I know it very well. There is no such instances.
Yes
are constant No, who told you? Whatever the decisions we always have a chat with them and decide. You can speak to the NPTC (National Pool Training Committee) Chairman, Palitha (Hettiarachchi) about it.
development of the elite players? Of course, yes! They’ve been performing well. Now, we have got down a good Indonesian coach. He’s doing a good job. In the few tournaments they took part in the last couple of months, the elite players have performed well.
No. It’s all done by the NPTC. So all the provincial matters come under them.
Has he resigned? I didn’t know that, sorry. I think so, yes. No, I feel he is good President. He looks after all the players and he is doing a good job.
relinquish the role of CEO at SLB? Only change is permanent. It was time to move on.
It is not a final decision yet. Let’s wait and see. I feel it is better, if he remains.
I feel that the sport has made some marked improvements in many areas. I was able to build a close rapport with BWF and BA as well as the local stakeholders: MoS, NOC, NSC, NISM and NSSC; most importantly with our elite players who are the backbone of the sport.
I love the sport and still play it as a recreation. Badminton is a bit elitist compared to Football which is a much larger and scenario. But my own belief is that we have the essentials to develop this sport to world standards. First steps have been taken by SLB.
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Palitha Hettiarachchi,
Niroshan Wijekoon, Chief SLB Selector 
Trevor Reckerman,