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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Sri Lanka has been withdrawn from the Netball World Youth Cup 2025 in Gibraltar after failing to secure visas in time, forcing the team to forfeit all of its group stage matches.

World Netball announced Sunday that both Sri Lanka and Zambia had been removed from the tournament “due to unresolved matters” surrounding their participation. As a result, their scheduled fixtures have been recorded as forfeits, with opponents awarded two points in line with competition rules.

Sri Lanka had been set to play in Pool C against England, Jamaica, and Tonga. Organizers confirmed that England, Jamaica, and Tonga would each be credited with wins. Zambia’s opponents in Pool A also received points for forfeited matches.

Local media reported that visa delays prevented the Sri Lankan squad from traveling to Gibraltar in time for the opening matches. Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, and players are required to obtain visas through the British High Commission.

Zambian officials cited similar problems. World Netball did not comment on the specific reasons but said it regretted the outcome.

“WN recognizes the disappointment this outcome will bring to teams and fans and remains committed to supporting Sri Lanka and Zambia’s ongoing involvement in international netball,” the federation said in a statement.

The Netball World Youth Cup, featuring under-21 teams from across the globe, runs from Sept. 19–28 in Gibraltar. (Newswire)

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The Sri Lankan female national team participating in the Asian Netball Championship in India met Sports Minister and Prime Minister Harini Amarasurirya yesterday (Oct 14).

Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya engaged in a friendly discussion with the team and wished them luck in winning the tournament.

For the first time, fourteen (14) Asian countries are participating in the Asian Netball Championship.

The opening ceremony of this year’s tournament will be held on October 17 at 3:00 pm and the tournament will be held from October 18 to 27 in Bangalore, India. (Newswire)

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