The Sri Lankan Netball Federation's secretary has blamed coaching decisions and player misconduct for the national team's failure to qualify for the World Cup, marking the first absence in over two decades.

Sri Lanka's netball team has missed qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 21 years following its performance at the Asian Netball Championship. Netball Federation Secretary Damayanthi Jayatilaka has attributed the setback to significant internal discord within the squad, citing both coaching practices and senior player behaviour as contributing factors.

Jayatilaka, a former national captain, detailed allegations of harsh treatment directed at younger team members during the championship. According to her account, junior players experienced verbal abuse and inappropriate language from senior teammates, resulting in diminished morale and doubts about their continued participation in the sport. She indicated that disciplinary measures could be warranted against the offending players.

The secretary also levied criticism at the coaching staff, claiming that divisions had emerged during the player selection process prior to the tournament. She alleged that three promising junior athletes were excluded from consideration before competition began. Jayatilaka emphasized that the coach bore responsibility for the team's fractures, asserting that without unified cohesion, the squad could not perform effectively for the nation.

Jayatilaka characterized the coach's conduct throughout the championship as a source of tension between senior and junior players, ultimately contributing to the team's inability to secure a World Cup berth. The national squad returned to Colombo on August 16 from Shanghai, where they were received by Netball Federation officials, Sports Ministry representatives, and player families.