National coach resigns after inquiry finds him guilty on misconduct

After an inquiry has recommended stern action against national badminton coach Shimal Aponso for his involvement of ‘allowing, leading and encouraging’ three players to consume alcohol during the Lanka Shuttle Challenge 2020 -- a franchise tournament played last month, he has tendered his resignation.

An inquiry was initiated following a complaint made by Sudath Janapriya -the father of 16-year-old Kaviru Sanjith Janapriya -- alleging that the said coach has influenced his child and two others to consume alcohol after leading them to a hotel in Moratuwa.

The inquiry was conducted by lawyer Panduka Keerthinanda who has handed over his report to Sri Lanka Badminton along with his findings and recommendations.

The man in question was the coach of the Southern Stars team that competed at the inaugural six-team tournament and many believe strict action should be taken against the perpetrator for leading his charges including a minor to consume liquor.

The other two players involved in the incident were Sachin Dias, who was the captain of the side, and Chamath Dias.

The incident had taken place on December 8, where four of them have visited the Grand Bolgoda Resort in the evening and had consumed alcohol. Though Kaviru has confessed for consuming liquor to the inquiring officer, the other two players have initially denied visiting the hotel or drinking alcohol.

However after documentary proof of photographs of the hotel and Covid-19 entry details maintained by the hotel, they have admitted to visiting the place but had denied consuming alcohol. The two shuttlers have apologised for misleading the inquiry committee by lying initially about their visit to the place.

However, Aponso had maintained his innocence saying he did not sight the place nor get involved in drinking. At the inquiry he has accused Kaviru’s father for fabricating a totally false story due to personal grudge. This is when the inquiry officer had showed the proof details where he has admitted that it was his handwriting on the Covid-19 entry book but he had denied the fact that it was taken from the said hotel.

After going through the complaint and the documentary evidence, the committee has found that there has been a severe misconduct on the part of national coach Shimal Aponso. His behaviour has been found to be unacceptable and therefore, the committee has recommended to punish him for allowing, leading and encouraging the players to consume alcohol during the training period.