The Sri Lanka badminton administration is once again struggling before the forthcoming Asian Games.
At the moment the Interim Committee is headed by former player Nishantha Jayasinghe and other members, former DG Sports Ministry Saman Bandara, Clarance Hormer, Mohan Wijesinghe and Helambage Wasantha Kumara.
Jayasinghe, Rohan de Silva and former Director General of the Sports Ministry Saman Bandara were appointed by the former Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara but both of them resigned from this Committee.
The Sport’s Ministry directed the badminton election to be held with Jayasinghe, Hormer, Rohan de Silva and the former DG in the running. Objections were raised that ended up in court.
Due to this incident the former Sports Minister had appointed the Interim Committee and the World Federation of Badminton (BWF) banned Sri Lankan badminton. This was the second time that Sri Lankan badminton was banned by the BWF meaning none of the shuttlers, officials, referees, umpires and coaches could take part in international tournaments.
The most contentious matter now is the Asian Games to held in Indonesia from August 18 and Sri Lanka badminton is in hot water as the world body is said to have already signalled the red light for Sri Lanka.
Last week two Sri Lankan badminton officials were in Bangkok for the World Badminton meeting but one official who was appointed to the Interim Committee is reported to have faced difficulties.
However new Sports Minister Faizer Mustafa is very keen to hold the badminton election the correct way. Two sides are battling each other for power. One side is reported to have gone to court and a verdict is expected soon.
Meanwhile according to reliable sources the opposition party had never agreed to contest. Meanwhile the Sri Lankan Badminton Interim Committee was lucky to get the services of an Indonesian coach and the team performed well during the recently concluded Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia.
Sachin Dias and Buwaneka Gunathilleka reached the semi finals at the group event for the first time in Sri Lanka badminton history as they missed the bronze medal.