Sri Lanka Netball Secretary Damayanthi Jayatilaka has alleged that internal rifts and poor conduct within the national squad cost the country its place at the Netball World Cup after 21 years.

Speaking to the media, Jayatilaka,  a former national captain, said junior players were subjected to verbal abuse and foul language during the Asian Netball Championship, leaving them disheartened and questioning their future in the sport. 

“Some of the younger players were treated harshly, while certain seniors showed no discipline. At the closing ceremony, I personally witnessed senior players using foul language. Disciplinary action can be taken against them,” she noted.

Jayatilaka accused the coach of fostering divisions from the player selection stage, claiming that three talented juniors had been sidelined even before the tournament. “The coach must take responsibility. Without unity, they cannot win for the nation,” she stressed.

She further explained that the coach’s behaviour throughout the competition created tension between senior and junior athletes, ultimately contributing to Sri Lanka’s failure at the Asian Championship.

The team returned to Colombo yesterday (16), arriving at Katunayake Airport from Shanghai, China. Officials from the Netball Federation, the Ministry of Sports, and parents of the players were present to welcome them. (Newswire)

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