Sri Lanka Netball at crossroads: Navigating crisis and seeking revival

By Hishan Welmilla

Once a proud flag-bearer in South Asian women’s sports, Sri Lankan netball now finds itself in a deep crisis. Despite being the most popular women’s sport in the country, netball today is adrift — lacking direction, a clear development structure, and most worryingly, a functioning governing body. As the sport teeters on the edge of decline, this article evaluates the consequences of its current state, highlights the strengths it still possesses, and explores a strategic path to restore its lost glory.

A sport without a leader

The absence of a legally recognised and actively functioning Netball Federation in Sri Lanka is the root cause of the present instability. With no centralised authority to manage domestic tournaments, national selections, youth development, or international representation, the sport is losing momentum at both grassroots and elite levels.

This vacuum has created administrative confusion, funding bottlenecks, and a loss of credibility on the international stage. The recent lack of participation in regional championships and delays in organising local competitions have only deepened the concern among players, coaches, and fans alike.

Despite the chaos, Sri Lanka netball is not without hope. Several key strengths remain: Sri Lanka has long been a dominant force in South Asian netball. Winning multiple Asian Netball Championships, the country has consistently produced world-class talent who’ve been celebrated on the continental stage.

Netball is deeply embedded in the fabric of the school sports system, especially among girls. Inter-school and inter-provincial tournaments continue to spark interest and develop future stars, albeit with less coordination than before.

The sport still enjoys immense popularity and emotional connection with the people, particularly among women and rural communities. This passion is a crucial asset in any revival effort.

But without urgent intervention, the weaknesses could soon overshadow the positives: Without a functional federation, there is no strategic plan, financial accountability, or leadership. This leads to favouritism, inconsistent selection, and erosion of merit-based systems. 

Sponsors are hesitant to invest in a sport without proper administration and visibility. This directly affects everything from player welfare to event management.

Sri Lanka’s position in Asian netball is both enviable and ironic. With a Sri Lankan at the helm of the Asian Netball Federation, one would expect the island nation to be a beacon of excellence in the sport — both in talent and in infrastructure. Yet, the reality tells a different story: despite occupying a key leadership role, Sri Lanka has failed to capitalise on this strategic advantage to develop world-class netball infrastructure.

Presidency of the Asian Netball Federation

At its core, this represents a systemic failure in sports governance and national planning. Holding the presidency of the Asian Netball Federation is more than a ceremonial honour — it offers a platform for influence, regional collaboration, funding opportunities, and international visibility. However, Sri Lanka has not translated this into tangible benefits on home soil. The country continues to struggle with outdated facilities, lack of investment in grassroots development, and limited exposure for athletes on the global stage.

While Sri Lanka is set to host several upcoming Asian netball events, a critical question arises: Can the country truly afford to pump significant funds into hosting duties amid a collapsing domestic netball structure? With no proper national league in place, crumbling infrastructure, and grassroots development at a near standstill, allocating large sums to organise international events may risk becoming a short-term spectacle rather than a long-term investment. Without a solid domestic foundation, such spending could easily be seen as cosmetic — showcasing the sport to the region while failing to address the core issues at home. Hosting must not come at the cost of sustainability; instead, there must be transparency and a clear link between the money spent and the actual legacy it will leave for Sri Lankan netball.

 A roadmap to revival 

Reviving Sri Lankan netball demands both immediate corrective action and a long-term vision. Until elections or formal recognition processes are completed, the Ministry of Sports must appoint a neutral and capable interim committee to ensure stability and continuity. The appointment of the Director General of Sports as the Competent Authority by the Government is a critical move to bring stability and legitimacy to the sport’s administration. This decision comes in response to the leadership vacuum and ongoing governance issues, and it is now imperative that the Competent Authority prioritises the organisation of transparent and democratic elections. Reinstating a duly elected governing body is essential to restore credibility, mobilise resources, and implement long-term development plans. All stakeholders must be given a fair voice, and the process must adhere strictly to constitutional guidelines to ensure the integrity of the sport’s future in the country.

A transparent, democratic election must be conducted to appoint a new executive committee under a new constitution with input from all stakeholders — players, coaches, referees, and regional bodies.

 A call to action

To revive Sri Lanka’s netball and reclaim its regional prominence, a comprehensive three-year development plan must be urgently launched. This roadmap should begin with talent identification at the grassroots level, especially within schools, where the future stars of the game are waiting to be discovered. Parallel to this, structured coach and referee education programs are essential to uplift the technical standards of the game and ensure consistent, high-quality training and officiating. Equally crucial is the reinstatement of the national league, which would provide a competitive platform for emerging and established players while keeping the sport active year-round. Finally, establishing a structured domestic calendar will bring much-needed organisation and visibility, ensuring regular tournaments, training camps, and regional competitions that contribute to sustained growth and professionalisation of netball in Sri Lanka.

Rebuild international bridges

Work closely with World Netball and Asian Netball Federation to regain international trust, re-enter competitions, and secure technical support.

With a functioning body, netball can leverage its popularity to attract sponsors. Broadcasting matches and using digital platforms will help boost visibility and inspire young girls.

The decline of Sri Lankan netball is not due to a lack of talent or public interest, but due to administrative paralysis and mismanagement. It is high time that authorities, former players, and sport-loving citizens unite to bring order, professionalism, and ambition back into the system.

With the right leadership, investment, and community engagement, Sri Lanka can reclaim its rightful place at the top of Asian netball. The nation owes it to the thousands of young girls who see netball not just as a game — but as a path to empowerment, pride, and purpose.