SLB turns cruel on Men’s Doubles duo
A new men’s doubles partnership between Buvaneka Goonethilake and Jason Homer is at the centre of a brewing controversy with Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) according to informed sources. Both players, despite impressive national and international achievements, have been denied the opportunity to compete in crucial overseas tournaments that could improve their world rankings.
Goonethilake, a Triple Crown champion for three consecutive years, teamed up with Homer after his former partner migrated. The duo, aiming to boost their global rankings, requested permission from the SLB to participate in three tournaments in Australia and New Zealand. Despite initial approval through email by the selection committee headed by Duminda Jayakody, the players claim that the SLB, under the leadership of Rohan de Silva, has obstructed their participation. The association allegedly cited their current national performances as the cause for blocking their tour.
Adding fuel to fire, it has been revealed that the SLB Executive Committee is made up of individuals with no significant national badminton background, many of whom are employees of de Silva’s private businesses. Critics argue that SLB is engaging in personal vendettas, preventing these talented players from improving their world rankings.
Both Goonethilake and Homer have lodged formal complaints with the Special Investigation Unit (SIU) of the Ministry of Sports at the Sugathadasa Sports Complex. Homer, previously excluded from the World Junior Championship despite being selected, also faced trials conducted by SLB that led to his exclusion. The players sought intervention from the Ombudsman, who emphasised that the role of sports bodies is to support, not hinder, athletes.
With the registration deadline for the upcoming World Badminton Federation (WBF) tournaments looming on September 10, Goonethilake and Homer may miss the opportunity to compete as the SLB holds the crucial entry passwords.
The duo has been training under Indonesian coach Tony at the Rising Star Badminton Academy, but experts warn that the SLB’s actions are jeopardising the future of the country’s top badminton talent. Some claim the association is more focused on control than nurturing world-class players.
The situation highlights deeper issues within Sri Lanka’s badminton administration, raising questions about governance and athlete treatment in the country’s sports sector.