In a tragic turn of events, Sri Lanka’s under-18 basketball team has been denied a historic opportunity due to gross mismanagement by officials of the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation (SLBF).
The team had qualified for the FIBA U18 World Cup, set to be held in Hungary from August 26 to 30 – marking the first time in Sri Lankan history that an under-18 team had reached this stage. However, due to the failure of the SLBF to timely manage the visa process the team will not be able to participate leaving players, coaches and fans devastated.
The Sri Lankan team, led by Methika Jayasinghe of St. Joseph’s College, earned their slot in the World Cup through outstanding performances in the South Asian Basketball Association (SABA) Qualifiers. Alongside Jayasinghe, key players included Darren Bernard, also of St. Joseph’s College; vice captain Eveen Senarathna of DS Senanayake College and Dion Zeno Thevakumar of St. Benedict’s College.
The team’s success in the qualifiers underscored the effectiveness of their coaching staff and the hard work and dedication of the players and qualifying for such a prestigious tournament was a monumental achievement.
The SLBF, tasked with managing the logistics for the trip, failed to submit the necessary visa documents until just two days before the team’s scheduled departure. This delay was inexplicable given that the federation had known about the tournament since November last year – nearly ten months ago.
For many, this tournament represented the pinnacle of their young careers – a chance to make history. Instead, they are left with the bitter taste of disappointment, knowing that their chance to shine has been taken away by the very organisation meant to support them.
This situation raises serious questions about the competence and accountability of the SLBF that was fully aware of the requirements and timelines involved. The negligence displayed by the federation not only reflects poorly on its leadership but also casts a shadow over the entire sporting community in Sri Lanka.
While the heartbreak of this missed opportunity it must serve as a catalyst for change within Sri Lanka’s sports administration with renewed focus on professionalism, transparency and accountability according to past players of repute.
