Netball player faces one-year ban over alleged remark

The Sri Lanka Netball Executive Committee has imposed a one-year ban on a senior player over an alleged derogatory remark made about officials during the Asian Netball Championship in Hong Kong, according to state-owned Dinamina.

The player allegedly told teammates that “the old women jump into every photo” while the team was preparing for a group photograph following the awards ceremony.

The decision was taken by the eight-member Executive Committee, including the association’s president and secretary, and has been referred to the Netball Disciplinary Committee, comprising a panel of lawyers.

The final decision is to be made following an inquiry. The association has also informed the Army Security Services Institution, where the player is employed, but no response has been received so far.

Secretary Damayanthi Jayathilake lodged the complaint, with Captain Thisala Algama and Coach Somitha de Alwis reportedly supporting it after raising the matter at the time.

President Vajira Neththikumara subsequently placed the complaint before the Executive Committee, which decided to impose the ban.

The disciplinary action comes amid growing tensions following Sri Lanka’s disappointing campaign at the Hong Kong tournament, where the team finished third and failed to reach the final for the first time since 2009.

The result also ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifying for next year’s Netball World Cup in Australia.

The poor performance has triggered recriminations among administrators, coaches and players, with allegations being exchanged over the team’s preparations and management.

The tournament was also preceded by a dispute between Coach de Alwis and the association over player selection, with the Ministry of Sports intervening over issues concerning medical reports.

Several senior players also met Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage before their departure to raise their grievances.