Sri Lanka Navy Clarifies
In regards to the news article published under the headline of “Wushuites held hostage at Navy, says Fed. President ”written by Harsha Amarasinghe and published on
29th June 2023, Sri Lanka Navy has issued the following clarification:
A. Since 2009, the Sri Lanka Navy has been actively supporting and nurturing the sport of Wushu within its ranks. At present ,there are 34 athletes who are part of the Navy Wushu Pool. These athletes have been representing the Navy for more than 10 years and have claimed the highest number of medals by participating in Wushu Provincial Tournaments, National Games, National Wushu Tournaments and International Wushu Tournaments such as; SAARC Games, Asian Games, and World Championship Games. In recent years, the Navy has emerged victorious in every Defence Services Wushu tournament as well.
B. The majority of players in the Sri Lanka
Navy Wushu Pool are sailors recruited under the regular and voluntary schemes. On completion of their basic training, these sailors have been released from their naval duties for over 10 years and have been straight away attached to the national Wushu Pool for training, enabling them to hone their skills and bring much credit to the country, from the game they have a passion. The Sri Lanka Navy takes care of all the expenses and requirements of these players, such as nutrition, healthcare, and training. As a result, it is expected that these players will represent and compete for the Navy when they have games.
C. ln its sports calendar, the Armed Forces have scheduled the Defence Services Games, as the most prestigious sports event for the promotion of sports within Armed Forces.
The preparations for this tournament were initiated one year in advance, and both the Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Air Force were informed about its schedule. In such a background, the Sri Lanka Wushu Federation has made a request on 07th June 2023 for the participation of the two players of the Navy Wushu Pool named Able Seaman KTATP Kumara and Able Seaman PN Balawardana for a three-month training session to be held in Iran. However, as the referral of those two players to the said training session at a time when they are ready to represent the Defense Services Games, has a great impact on the Navy’s achievements.the Director Sports of the Sri Lanka Navy has informed the Wushu Federation that the two players can be assigned for the expected training session after 09th July 2023. It is regrettable that the President of the Sri Lanka Wushu Federation made such false accusations against the
Navy through the media, despite having been notified in writing about the said matter.
D. Meanwhile., arrangements have been made to conduct the 12th Defence Services Wushu Tournament, organized by the Sri Lanka Navy, from 04 to 07 July 2023. The Sri Lanka Wushu Federation, through verbal communication, had initially expressed their commitment to fully support the tournament. However, the Secretary of the federation declared on 19th June 2023, that they are unable to provide any assistance for the event. Moreover, they have also mentioned their inability to provide Taolu Carpet and Sanda Mattress which are required for the tournament.
E. In addition, despite the repeated requests made by the Sri Lanka Navy Wushu Pool to register with the Sri Lanka Wushu Federation over the course of several years, the Navy has not received any positive response thus far. Regarding this matter, a letter was once more sent to the President of the Wushu Federation on 23rd January 2023, yet no response has been received to the letter till date.
Sports Editor’s note: Sri Lanka Navy were given the opportunity to clarify its position on the above story before it was published. However, they chose not to comment. Sri Lanka Navy has not pointed out any inaccuracies or factual errors in the above article.therefore, the Daily Mirror stands by its story.
The Daily Mirror also believes that in any circumstance, the interests of the country and representing it supercedes the participation in any local or domestic meet.