Dialog bats again for Blues encounter

Sri Lanka’s flagship telecommunications service provider, Dialog Telekom, will sponsor the Royal -Thomian cricket encounter - the 130th Annual Battle Of The Blues. One of the most anticipated events in the local schools sporting calendar, the big match would take place from 12 - 14 March at the SSC ground, Colombo, whilst the annual limited over encounter for the Mustangs Trophy would be played on the March 21.

This is the ninth consecutive year that Dialog in sponsoring this famous encounter.

Nushad Perera, Dialog Telekom’s Group Chief Marketing Officer, said: “The Royal-Thomian is a part of history; it transcends time and boundaries of every nature - it’s a display of true gamesmanship and convergence, the very elements we uphold at Dialog.

Our association is a synergy of strengths and tradition, and this partnership too will become a significant part of that proud history in the years to come.”

Mahinda Halangoda, Chairman of the Royal -Thomian Cricket Committee 2009, said: “We wish to thank Dialog Telekom for continuing its support for the Battle Of The Blues for nearly a decade.

The funds extended to us are used for a variety of initiatives, and this includes the development of cricket at both schools at all levels, and we appreciate the support extended to us.”

The Royal-Thomian encounter is the second oldest un-interrupted cricket match in the world.

The organisers have introduced some changes to this year’s fixture and this includes a new ticket scheme, where a three-day game ticket gives free entry to the one-day match.

This move comes as part of an effort to add value to the spectator experience, who would be assured a seat at the venue in the same block for four days of fun, and a journey down memory lane.

A special security plan will be put in place this year; this includes restricted parking whilst glass bottles and any dangerous items will not be permitted into the grounds. For more details visit www. royalthomian.info.

Dialog Telekom is a prominent sponsor of Sri Lankan Sports and is committed to develop talent in Sri Lanka to international standards.

The company is closely associated with school cricket, athletics, football, rugby, volleyball, rowing and disabled sports. Dialog has sponsored several national contingents to international sporting events that include the Olympics, Paralympics, Commonwealth, Asian, SAF and FESPIC Games.