SLB clarifies shortlisting of players for 19th Asian Games 2022

Sri Lanka Badminton (SLB) yesterday clarified allegations concerning the shortlisting of contestants for the 19th Asian Games 2022.Following is the statement issued by SLB:  SLB short listed one single player to participate at the 19th Asian Games 2022 based on the local ranking and world ranking positions of all local players. This was the criteria established by the Sri Lanka Badminton and approved by the National sports selection committee of Ministry of Sports (MOS) and National Olympic Committee. Only one slot was approved for badminton by National Olympic Committee.

Accordingly, at the time of selection it was Viren Nettasinghe who had the best national and world ranking positions and Buwaneka Goonethilleka was behind Viren Nettasinghe in both national and world rankings. 

Viren’s world ranking position was 129 as of 21 March 2023 and his Sri Lankan ranking was 9 as of 12 March 2023. Buwaneka’s world ranking was 409 as of 21 March 2023 and Sri Lankan ranking was 11 as of 12 March 2023. 

This selection was approved by the National Selection Committee of the MOS and National Olympic Committee. 

As we understand, the mother of Buwaneka Goonethillaka has made her own criteria on selection which is based on the national championship and is presumably insisting that the parent’s criteria should be accepted rather than the SLB/MOS approved criteria.

A complaint had been made to the Special Investigation Unit for preventing sports related offenses, of the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs by the mother of Buwanaka regarding the above selection for which an investigation has been commenced. 

Sri Lanka Badminton has responded to all correspondence issued by this unit through their legal consultants and have extended fullest corporation at all times even in the past. 

SLB reiterates that it has followed the accepted international and local procedures accurately in the above selection. SLB has always been extremely fair in dealing with all affairs of badminton administration and have been commended by many for its achievements in good governance on many occasions. 

SLB takes pride in always working within the sports law and its constitution which may not be to the liking of some who may not want to see the youngsters  of today doing better than the its experienced colleagues.