Sri Lanka Telecom ...

Empowering the SA Games

Dinesh Weerawansa

SOUTH ASIAN GAMES: Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) has come forward to fulfil its social responsibility by sponsoring the 10th South Asian Games. The Chairman of the SLT, Anil Obeysekera said this at a special news conference held at Colombo Hilton yesterday.

The SLT chairman said it was a unanimous decision by the SLT Board of Directors to pump such a large sum of money. "We discussed at length because this was a big sponsorship deal for a single sporting event. But I am thankful to my directors that they all decided unanimously to go ahead as this is a social commitment," he said.

Sri Lanka's leading telecommunication company has pumped in a huge Rs. 70 million total sponsorship to become the principal sponsor of the eight-nation Games. Out of this commitment, Rs. 50 million will be a cash grant while the balance Rs. 20 million will come as goods and services. The SLT will link all competition venues as well as important locations such as the Main Press Centre (MPC).

The CEO of the SLT, Shuhei Anan was a happy man to see their association with the SA Games.

"We are happy to be a part of the Games as the principal sponsor. In addition to the cash sponsorship, we will be providing all necessary communication needs of the Games," he said.

"Sport has played an important social and cultural role in Sri Lanka, bringing together individuals and communities and crossing social boundaries, breaking down barriers. The SLT's partnership with the SA Games will reinforce its commitment to leading the nation," he observed.

Anan said the SLT would take the lead to transmit the Games to other countries through its global network. A special link will be available on the SLT website, giving the daily highlights and information of the Games as well as souvenirs that can be purchased online. In addition, a special hotline number - 1212 on SLT, will be available for immediate updates on the status of the Games.

For the first time in the 23-year-old South Asian Games history, a trophy will be awarded for the country which bags the most number of gold medals in the final medal standings. The SLT has introduced a gold plated SLT Trophy for the contingent with the most number of gold medals. It will be presented to the overall captain of the best contingent on the final day of the Games.

Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Jeewan Kumaratunga said the organising work of the Games are going on smoothly and that they have now tacked all major problems successfully. Minister Kumaratunga said the Sports Ministry will give all necessary support and encouragement for Sri Lanka sportsmen and women to make their presence at the SA Games. "We have set targets and I hope our youth would go for gold and make our country proud," the Minister observed.

There will be a total of 20 disciplines at the 10th South Asian Games which is due to commence at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo with a spectacular opening ceremony.