Rohan de Silva, SLB President

■ Q: Are the reports that you intend to resign shortly, true?

Yes, not immediately, but in June this year on completion of three years,

I hope to step down.

■ Q: Are you promoting any particular candidate as next President?

No, I’m not promoting. I will support anybody who comes. There are seven Vice Presidents, so there are so many capable people. One of them will have to be elected.

■ Q: Would it be a fresh election for all positions?

If it’s only me, who’s stepping down, then it would be only for that post. But if all of them also step down, then it would be a new election. The vice presidents have not mentioned anything. I officially announced at the last general council meeting. There’s no time frame. Election would go on as per the constitution.

■ Q: How will you control the finances you intend to offer SLB?

I am offering them a sponsorship agreement for three years. In that agreement, there will be certain conditions laid out, through that I will monitor. Basically, sponsorships will go to the tournaments, training programmes, promotions, cost of shuttle cocks – which is the biggest running cost of the office. So direct expenses like that.

■ Q: What are your overriding objectives for Badminton in Sri Lanka?

We have a vision and a mission. Vision and mission is very clearly stated in the objectives. Promoting badminton in the country is most important and basically it’s all around that objective.

Vision- To be the most vibrant and popular sport in Sri Lanka aiming to produce players within the top 25 in World Ranking in four years – 2024.

Mission- Build character and sportsmanship while striving for success in the sport. Provide equal opportunities nationwide for participation and competition in the sport. Nurture players and develop them to international standards. Compete on world stages and bring glory to our motherland.

Palitha Hettiarachchi, Vice president in charge of National Pool Training

■ Q: Are you satisfied with the development and performance of the national team? Yes, definitely, yes. Because, actually what happened was on the performances of what they have done, like the recent tournaments and the international events. Two players took part in Men’s Doubles,, Women Doubles and Mixed Doubles; they performed very well and for the first time, they won medals.

■ Q: Which players are tipped to form the CWG and ASG squads?

Actually, at the moment, we have not done the final selections. Final selections will be done only at the end of April. We’re having the selection committee of Sri Lanka Badminton, funded by the Ministry of Sports, who are conducting the trials by the first week or second week of April. From that trial, the team will be selected. Winning a Medal; my biggest target is actually, Buvaneka and Sachin in the MD and Sachin and Thilini in the XD. Those

are the two major events we’re focusing on, actually.

■ Q: Why were you overlooked as Manager of the SLB contingent?

That, I don't want to comment on. Actually, It’s up to the SLB to decide.

■ Q: How are the national coaches organized under the new international coach, Rosobin?

They’re performing and coordinating well with the new coach.

■ Q: How would you react to charges of favouritism of national players?

No, not at all. There’s no such thing. Because I’m in-charge of the national pool, so I know it very well. There is no such instances.

Niroshan Wijekoon, Chief SLB Selector

■ Q: You are the Chief SLB Selector; do you like the job?

Yes

■ Q: We learn there are constant disagreements with NPTC; is that true?

No, who told you? Whatever the decisions we always have a chat with them and decide. You can speak to the NPTC (National Pool Training Committee) Chairman, Palitha (Hettiarachchi) about it.

■ Q: Are you pleased with the development of the elite players?

Of course, yes! They’ve been performing well. Now, we have got down a good Indonesian coach. He’s doing a good job. In the few tournaments they took part in the last couple of months, the elite players have performed well.

■ Q: Do you pay attention to provincial players who show promise?

No. It’s all done by the NPTC. So all the provincial matters come under them.

■ Q: Do you think resignation of current President will have an adverse effect? Has he resigned? I didn’t know that, sorry. I think so, yes. No, I feel he is good President. He looks after all the players and he is doing a good job.

Trevor Reckerman, Former CEO - SLB

■ Q: Why did you relinquish the role of CEO at SLB?

Only change is permanent. It was time to move on.

■ Q: What do you think of Rohan de Silva’s intent to resign as President?

It is not a final decision yet. Let’s wait and see. I feel it is better, if he remains.

■ Q: What do you consider your main accomplishments during your term?

I feel that the sport has made some marked improvements in many areas. I was able to build a close rapport with BWF and BA as well as the local stakeholders: MoS, NOC, NSC, NISM and NSSC; most importantly with our elite players who are the backbone of the sport.

■ Q: How does badminton fit in your long sports career, including two stints as FFSL Secretary?

I love the sport and still play it as a recreation. Badminton is a bit elitist compared to Football which is a much larger and scenario. But my own belief is that we have the essentials to develop this sport to world standards. First steps have been taken by SLB.