SLBA suspended

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The Badminton World Federation (BWF) yesterday suspended the international membership of the Sri Lanka Badminton (SLBA) Association with immediate effect.

The international governing body of Badminton has officially sent a letter to the Director General of the Sports Ministry, K.D. Ruwanchandra and they stated that in accordance with clause 13.1 of the BWF constitution, a suspended member of the BWF will be deprived of all right of membership.

The BWF has further stated, that the Sri Lanka Badminton Association and players may not enter into any BWF approved tournaments as well as any International tournament or events and also may not attend BWF general meeting under the purposes of clause.

 

According to the (BWF), the suspension of the Sri Lanka Badminton Association will remain in force until such time as:

1. The SLBA complies with the BWF governance principles by having:

     a) A constitution that is consistent with the BWF constitution and its principles as per the referenced clauses above – (the requirements around on-going membership and autonomy).

     b) No direct interference in the governance and operations of the SLBA by the Sri Lankan Government through the application of sports regulations / laws which operate in a way that is        contrary to the principles of autonomy outlined in the BWF Constitution and IOC Charter.

     c) New elections of the SLBA called in accordance with the SLBA Constitution. OR

2. The BWF is satisfied that a clear timeline is established and agreed by SLBA and the BWF, for SLBA to meet the requirements above and where the BWF is assured that the timeline will be kept.

 

Earlier, the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) election was not recognized by the world governing body FINA and the newly elected committee in the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka (AASL) was also not recognized by the IAAF for the same reasons of government interference.