The proposal to initiate a Badminton Academies Evaluation Committee was proposed by the former President of SLB, Mr. Rohan de Silva.
The new evaluation committee to oversee activities of badminton academies also consist of Mr. Palitha Hettiarachchi, Mr. Divker Rathnadorei, Mr. Sanjeewa Wijesekara and Ms. Renu Chandrika de Silva, all veterans of the game in their respective fields.
The members of the committee have been tasked to utilise their vast experience and knowledge of badminton to recommend and evaluate badminton academies across the country.
According to the systematic strategy of the Badminton Academies Evaluation Committee, the country has been divided into five different zones, with Western Province taking the priority as Zone ‘A’.
Already 17 players have been chosen through an application process from the applied badminton academies, with the guarantee of training facilities and other necessary requirements to enhance their status of the sport.
In addition the Selection Committee assist the Evaluation Committee will scout talented players up to 26, who will receive facilities as similar to national squads such as playing kits, gear, nutrition, an allowance and training under experts.
With the guidance of SLB President, Mr. Roshan Gunawardena the Evaluation Committee will cover the entire island to scout talented players from badminton academies from all corners of the country and enter them into the squads.
In addition the Evaluation Committee has already picked 17 badminton academies from Zone ‘A’ that covers the Western Province.
The chosen academies have been graded as ‘A’, Super ‘A’, ‘A+’, ‘B’, ‘B+’, ‘C’, ‘C+’ and ‘D’ who have been granted with a contract that spans one year.
The selected academies will be provided with necessary facilities to further improve their task of helping and shaping young badminton talents, who are guaranteed with facilities provided similar to those who are in the national squads.
SLB intends to further develop the younger generation and create new opportunities to deserving young talents through the Badminton Academies Evaluation Committee.