Conflict between SLASU and SLSASA
 

by Leslie Fernando

A controversy has arisen in the swimming scene between the Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Sports Association (SLSASA) and the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) with regard to the schools swimmers participating in Hong Kong and the South Asian Games training.

Sri Lanka Schools swimmers (8 boys and 8 girls) were selected after the Sri Lanka Schools Championships held in May to participate at the 2nd Asian Schools Swimming Championships to be held in HongKong from July 25 to August 1.

The SLSASA informed the swimmers and their respective parents of their selection and was awaiting for confirmation according to Ms. Ranjani de Fonseka, Secretary SLSASA.

But most of the swimmers did not confirm as they were told that SLASU also have selected them to the South Asian Games training squad.

SLASU held the SA Games trial from May 23 to 27 and they have selected 43 swimmers including the 16 schools swimmers. According to Nethru Nanayakkara, Media Coordinator, SLASU the names have been submitted to the sports Minister for approval.

Nanayakkara added that the 16 schools swimmers will have to begin training under the Australian coach assisted by four local coaches in preparation for the South Asian Games to be held in August.

It means they will not have the chance to swim in Hong Kong. Nanayakkara further said that SLASU has issued a circular that the swimmers selected to SAG training squad will have to continue the training schedule until the SA Games. So the swimmers will have to decide whether to swim in Hong Kong or at the South Asian Games.

Naturally they will opt to represent Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Some of the swimmers' parents view was that swimmers selected will gain more experience competing in HongKong with elite swimmers. The Hong Kong Asian Schools Championships will not clash with the South Asian Games to be held from August 19 to 27. Ms. Fonseka said that the SLSASA has appealed to the Sports Minister on this issue.

SLSASA has to submit the participants' list to organisers in HongKong soon.

It is reliably understood that if the originally selected 16 swimmers are prevented from making the trip to Hong Kong, SLSASA may send a next best 16 swimmers who performed well at the schools swimming championships.

Who is going to solve this conflict?