The Be Sri Lankan Basketball Camp 2025 is set to make history by bringing elite international coaching to young athletes in Sri Lanka.
However, despite multiple appeals, neither the Ministry of Sports nor the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation has offered support.
This groundbreaking camp will feature two basketball legends: Don Showalter, USA Basketball’s Director of Youth and Sports Development and a 10-time USA Basketball world medallist, and Tony Townsend, a former NBA D-League player and experienced coach. This marks the first time a USA Basketball National Team Coach will lead a camp in South Asia, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Sri Lankan players.
Showalter, who has coached stars like LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony, expressed his excitement:
“I’ve coached USA junior national teams since 2009. I’m here to share my experience and help develop basketball in Sri Lanka, creating pathways for young athletes to earn scholarships in the USA.”
The camp’s founder, Keshav Perera, a former Sri Lanka national player and the country’s only internationally accredited coach, emphasized its broader mission:
“This is more than just a camp—it’s about shaping the future of Sri Lankan basketball. We want to educate players and coaches, send them to international camps, and secure scholarships.”
However, Perera also voiced frustration over the lack of official support:
“I spent two days at the Ministry of Sports trying to get their attention—no response. The Basketball Federation ignored us. Even when a message was sent to the Sports Minister, the response was: ‘Do we even have basketball in Sri Lanka?’ That was heartbreaking.”
Despite the lack of institutional backing, sponsors have stepped in to ensure the camp’s success. Cinnamon Grand, Solar Booze, and Ceylon Kernell’s are among the key supporters, offering funding, hospitality, and nutrition for young athletes.
Tony Townsend summed up the camp’s goal:
“Sri Lanka has talent. They just need the right guidance and opportunities.”
The Be Sri Lankan Basketball Camp will take place March 19th-22nd at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, featuring both a full-day coaches’ camp and a three-day players’ camp for different age groups. With over 100 children already training under the Be Sri Lankan Basketball Academy, this event aims to raise the bar for Sri Lankan basketball and open new doors for young athletes.
