Suspension on youth players withdrawn
A directive issued by the Department of Sports Development of the Ministry of Sports has instructed the General Secretary of Sri Lanka Netball Federation (SLNF) to withdraw the suspension imposed on a few players, who allegedly had consumed liquor during the Asian Youth Netball Championship held in South Korea.
The Director General of the Department of Sports Development, Dr. Shemal Fernando, who had signed the two letters addressed to the General Secretary of SLNF, clearly instructs the netball authority of Sri Lanka to withdraw the sanctions imposed on the unnamed players.
According to the letter, the aggrieved players had appealed to the Appeal Advisory Committee of the Ministry of Sports and had forwarded their case, which is alleged to have occurred during the regional netball competition that took place in South Korea from June 10 to 17 this year.
“The SLNF had imposed a suspension of one year on the said players, and the official letter sent by the General Secretary of SLNF to the players clearly shows the process has failed to follow protocols, which in other words, would nullify the letter issued. SLNF should inform the aggrieved players that the letter would be withdrawn,” the letter stated.
Further, if the SLNF fails to follow the instructions issued by the Ministry of Sports within seven days, the netball administration would face repercussions in accordance to the Sports Law.
In the second correspondence, the Ministry of Sports has instructed to pay an amount of Rs. 25,000, which one of the aggrieved players has deposited as security to the ministry at the time of making the official appeal.
The Sri Lanka youth netball team, led by Sajini Ratnayake, secured the third place of the Asian Youth Netball Championship, finishing behind Malaysia and Singapore. The team also qualified for the World Netball Championship by virtue.
In addition to skipper Ratnayake, the team included, Nethmi Wijenayake, Vidusha Janani, Chalini Neesha, Sarah Peiris, Bhashi Udagedara, Dilmi Wijenayake, Minaji Kankanige, Timy Wasanthapriya, Nethanga Gunarathna, Jinali Balasooriya and Ranudi Perera. As officials Amalka Gunathilake (Head Coach), Sashika Samarasinghe (Assistant Coach), Vajira Pushpakumari (Manager) and Shiromi Pilapitiya (Doctor) accompanied the team.