Thilaka Jinadasa
Olympian Thilaka Jinadasa’s decades of experience as a double international – excelling in both basketball and netball – have earned her accolades and respect on the international stage.
Her success as an international netball coach, leading Sri Lanka to Asian Championship triumphs, stands as a testament to her expertise.
However, despite her extensive track record, her proposals and recommendations for Sri Lanka netball have repeatedly fallen on deaf ears. In her candid responses, Jinadasa highlights the glaring leadership failures that continue to hinder the sport’s growth in Sri Lanka.
While her strategies, including a well-mapped plan targeting a bronze medal at the SEA Games, have taken root in Brunei, back home Sri Lanka netball remains stagnant. Jinadasa’s journey underscores a troubling reality: despite her proven success, the sport’s administrators have failed to take meaningful action, leaving the potential of Sri Lanka’s netballers unfulfilled and the future uncertain.
Her frustration with the current state of Sri Lanka netball is palpable. Having successfully guided Sri Lanka to Asian Championship titles twice, she has witnessed first-hand the disparity between her team’s potential and the leadership’s lack of vision. Her detailed proposals, which could significantly improve the sport, were largely ignored by those at the helm. “There was a clear need for a shift in strategy,” she said, referencing the outdated and ineffective practices she encountered. “I recommended reforms, professional training for coaches, better infrastructure, and a long-term vision. None of it was implemented.”
Her voice echoes the sentiment that, despite her consistent track record of success, the governing body Netball Federation of Sri Lanka (NFSL) has failed to capitalise on Jinadasa’s potential. Jinadasa’s coaching record speaks volumes but when it came to actualising these wins into sustainable growth for the sport, the response from the NFSL leadership was lacking.
Jinadasa identified several key areas of improvement on why Sri Lanka narrowly lost to Singapore in the Asian Netball Championship. She underlined the importance of fitness, particularly movement and mobility, as well as the need for more strategic play. “Sri Lanka traditionally relied on long passes, especially with our height advantage, but this time, we fell into playing Singapore’s faster, more reactive style,” she noted. “Effective communication and game management were missing, which cost us dearly.”
She also pointed out the challenge of relying on the same seven players throughout the tournament, making the team predictable to their opponents. In high-stakes matches, such as finals, Jinadasa believes that mental resilience and effective game management are paramount. “You need to control your pressure levels in finals, especially when facing a team like Singapore that starts fast,” she said.
The lack of exposure to competitive international matches before the tournament contributed to the team’s unpreparedness, a point Jinadasa has consistently highlighted. “Pre-competition exposure is crucial for sharpening skills and strategy. Sri Lanka lacks regular competitive exposure, and that’s where we fall short,” she explained, advocating for a structured local league and more international matchups to prepare players mentally and strategically.
The contrast between Sri Lanka’s stagnation and Jinadasa’s current success in Brunei is stark. Having returned to Brunei, she has mapped out a strategic plan for the national team with a clear objective – securing a bronze medal at the upcoming SEA Games. “We have laid the foundation for success here, focusing on technical development, mental conditioning and team cohesion,” Jinadasa explained.
But this is sorely missing in Sri Lanka, where the netball governance remains in disarray. “I’ve spent years trying to bring about change in Sri Lanka, but when the administrators are not proactive and fail to involve experienced professionals, it’s hard to make real progress,” she says.
Jinadasa believes that Sri Lanka netball would benefit from a more strategic approach to preparation. She advocates for clear long-term planning, including exposure tours and a consistent competitive schedule. “The Netball Federation of Sri Lanka must set a roadmap with scheduled international tours and detailed preparations for both senior and youth teams,” she suggested. She also raised concerns about the lack of plans for the youth team, especially with the Youth World Cup and Asian Youth Championship on the horizon. “Youth development is essential for the future of the sport,” Jinadasa reiterated, urging administrators to prioritise this.
Reflecting on the administrative issues within NFSL, Jinadasa pointed to the need for improved coaching education and a proper domestic league. “Coaches need continuous learning programes to stay up to date with the evolving nature of the sport,” she said, noting that Sri Lanka could benefit from a league like Malaysia’s, which invites international participation. “A structured domestic league would elevate the game and provide players with invaluable exposure.”
Another key issue Jinadasa identified was favouritism within the system, which she believes undermines the sport’s development. “Favouritism affects team dynamics and the overall potential of players,” she explained, citing instances where decisions about player selection and coaching roles were made without transparency.
In her coaching role with Brunei, Jinadasa observed stark differences in how the sport is managed compared to Sri Lanka. “In Brunei, we follow a clear four-year plan with short-term goals, ensuring that the team is always progressing,” she explained.
“Sri Lanka has immense talent, but we need a solid structure to nurture and develop that talent,” she said. She stressed the need for clear planning, consistent international exposure, and a well-structured domestic league to give Sri Lanka the competitive edge it needs.
The failure of NFSL officials to listen to the insights of someone with Jinadasa’s experience is a damning indictment of their leadership. By not fostering a culture of growth, they have squandered the opportunities presented by Jinadasa’s vast expertise.
Despite the lack of support from local officials, Jinadasa remains resolute in her belief that Sri Lanka’s netball can flourish with the right approach. “We’ve had successes in the past, and it’s heartbreaking to see that momentum lost. If Sri Lanka can adopt the right strategies and embrace reform, they have the ability to shine again,” she said.
However, with a leadership unwilling to change or adapt, the future remains uncertain. Jinadasa’s unwavering commitment to her craft is evident, but the question remains: Will NFSL’s leaders finally heed her advice before it’s too late?
