Badminton: Ministry of Sports claims BWF’s ban on SLBA as unfair and biased

The Ministry of Sports of Sri Lanka reacted by showing its displeasure on the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for suspending Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) on Friday (24).   The Ministry of Sports stated that the ban was unfair, prejudiced, biased and unjust.   “The Ministry of Tourism and Sports in a media release stated that it has been brought to their notice of the suspension of membership of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association (SLBA) by the Badminton World Federation by the letter dated 22 July 2015. The Ministry states that this action by the BWF is unfair, prejudiced, bias and unjust as the SLBA nor any other officials of the Ministry of Sports has not been given an opportunity to explain nor make representations. The Ministry is also unaware of any official been appointed to inquire or verify any matters relating to SLBA by the BWF. The Ministry further states that a letter dated 21st June 2015 addressed to the SLBA by BWF which was referred to the Hon. Minister was replied by the Hon. Minister by letter dated June 29, 2015,” the Ministry of Sports issuing an official press release on Friday stated.   “In these circumstances the Ministry of Sports and the SLBA will refer this matter to the Tribunal Arbitral Du Sport (Court of Arbitration for Sport) and take all necessary steps to remove the suspension at the earliest,” it added.   The membership of SLBA was suspended by BWF on Wednesday (22). The BWF cited that government interference on badminton in Sri Lanka as a serious concern for this decision in the midst of the Sports Law of the country is being revived by the Ministry of Sports officials.   The Ministry communiqué further states that issues have arisen with several International Sports Federations due to the former authorities of the Ministry of Sports not adhering to the Road map agreed upon by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), National Olympic Committee and the Ministry of Sports.   On assuming duties the Hon. Minister of Tourism and Sports appointed a committee comprising officials of the Ministry and the NOC to complete the undertakings given by the previous administration by June 30.   According to Ministry sources committee completed its task on June 26 and has forwarded the amended Sport Regulations to the IOC which has requested time till September 2015 to make its finalise response.