Concerned parents reach Sports Minister over tyranny by coach
A group of parents has raised serious allegations against a gymnastics coach accusing him of corruption, favouritism, and misuse of public resources.
In a letter to Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, the parents expressed concerns about the said coach’s s private training club where reportedly over 50 young gymnasts train six days weekly. The parents allege that gymnasts must bring fruit baskets to the coach as expressions of gratitude. Each student allegedly pays a monthly fee of Rs. 5,000. Training reportedly takes place using equipment and facilities owned by the Sports Ministry, raising questions about how a private association obtained permission to use public assets.
Despite his position as a government employee, the coach allegedly earns approximately Rs. 250,000 monthly through his private club. Parents are questioning whether this arrangement is appropriate for a government official using ministry-owned facilities.
Further controversy emerged during the Junior National Gymnastics Championship, held on March 22 and 23 this year. Parents claim the event was primarily sponsored by the coach’s s own association and that each student was asked to pay Rs. 25,000.00 towards the expenses of the event.
Concerns also extend to financial transparency as parents question on certain transactions that occurred related to the Junior Nationals. Funds received from a local gymnast based in England and a partial sponsorship received from Bank of Ceylon were allegedly deposited into the account of his club, instead of the official bank account of the National Gymnastics Association.
Parents are demanding a clarification from a responsible official of the Ministry of Sports for the never-ending scandal. They also claim that over half of the prize money won by athletes have been withheld by the club, leaving the gymnasts discontented.
In addition, the coach is accused of barring training opportunities and access on aspiring athletes, including a young gymnast who represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics. According to parents, he does not admit gymnasts who live outside Colombo and does not allow non-members of his association to use any equipment.
A concerned mother of a gymnast who took part at the Junior National Championship, confirmed this practice, adding that gymnasts and parents faced significant challenges due to the lack of resources. As concerns continue to grow, all eyes are now on the Ministry of Sports for a response.
With so many young gymnasts affected by the actions and attitude of a single individual, parents are calling for transparency, fairness, and immediate action. When the Sunday Times contacted the accused coach to obtain his response towards the allegations made, he wished not to comment on the subject over the phone.