Sri Lanka Basketball Federation (SLBF) resumed their activities after obtaining the necessary approval from the Ministry of Sports under strict health guidelines recently, said its general secretary, Dr. Chula Senaratne speaking to the Daily News yesterday.
The SLBF has circulated these guidelines to their 34 affiliated associations including schools, clubs and mercantile sector to adhere strictly to the health guidelines and commence their activities.
According to the secretary it is likely that it will require some time for these stakeholders to get their act together before commencement of practices.
The governing body is closely monitoring their progress and no sooner they obtain the clearance to resume the tournaments.
They will start playing all the stipulated competitions listed in their calendar. All their activities were halted with the corona virus outbreak way back in mid March.
The progress of the Corona pandemic will play a vital role in continuation of the game in the future.
Meanwhile the SLBF is in the process of making adequate arrangements to prepare a women’s team (3x3) to represent the country in the under-18 Women’s Cup to be held in Hungary from 26 to 31 August. Twelve countries are scheduled to participate in this tournament. This squad is training under the watchful eyes of Ajith Kuruppu who is the senior National basketball coach. Four players and two stand-byes have been selected for this tour. The reopening date of Bandaranaike International Airport will be a key factor before taking part in this tourney.
The men’s under-23 teams too are gearing for their World Cup to be held from October 9 to12 for which the venue is yet to be decided. Coinciding the under-23 Asian League Championship is finalized to be staged in Sanya, China in December. SLBF is to form a pool of 39 players this weekend for trials before selecting the teams to participate in these tournaments. Apart from this another tournament is lined up which is the men’s and women’s Asian Championship to be held in Chandsha, China from September 15 to 25 for which the SLBF is also keen to take part in.
“We have got the go ahead from the concerned authorities including the Sports Ministry and instructed our affiliates to act accordingly. After the Corona pandemic it takes time to resume the activities. We are gradually building up this process with our stakeholders including schools, clubs and mercantile sector. Once we get the final clearance we will start the competition,” said the secretary.
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