Netball is Sri Lanka has been bundled into a corner at a time the sport is expected to have more activities but no proper place to practice and play according to the president of the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (NFSL) Victoria Lakshmi.
The current Asia Cup winners aim to retain the Crown once again at the next Asia Cup championship which is scheduled to be held from September 27 in Saudi Arabia and have formed an 18 member National pool under head coach P.D.N Prasadi.
“Our players have to play matches at various venues such as in Horana, Nawalapitiya, the NYSC indoor stadium and the Kelaniya University Indoor Stadium.
“The Sugathadasa Stadium is the ideal place to train and play games owned by the Sports Ministry. But we have to pay a thumping amount to train and play there and money is a big issue for us”, said Lakshmi.
“Our junior team has to play in the 2025 World Junior championships and the Asian Youth Netball championship and we have made arrangements to form an under 19 pool with the Sri Lanka Schools Netball Association.
“Unlike cricket the Netball Federation has difficulty in finding sponsors. We expect to discuss these issues with the Sports Director, Rear Admiral Shemal Fernando and get support from the Sports Development Department at a very crucial this stage”, said Lakshmi.
Netball will mark its centenary this year and the Federation is looking forward to providing more exposure for umpires at international level.
Last year umpire Eranga Sithara was adjudged an International Talent Identified Umpire and he is now in line for an International Umpire Award.
“We are happy to say that two Sri Lanka umpires Eranga Sithara and Niroshan Sandaranga officiated at last year’s Asian Youth Netball tournament while Eranga received an A Grade status.
