Telecom - Mobitel boost for Sri Lanka Cricket

Chris Dhambarage

Sri Lanka Cricket received a tremendous boost when Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel came forward with a staggering sponsorship package amounting to US dollars 4.85 million for a period of four years.

The ceremony of the signing of the official sponsorship between Sri Lanka Cricket and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel took place under the patronage of Minister of Sports and Recreation Gamini Lokuge at the SLC Headquarters in Maitland Place yesterday.

In terms of the sponsorship agreement during the contract period Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel secured the exclusive right as the official sponsor of the Sri Lanka cricket team.

The first assignment of the Sri Lanka cricket team under the new sponsorship banner will be the second edition of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 World Cup which will commence on June 5 in England.

The Minister of Sports and Public Recreation Gamini Lokuge commenting on the new partnership said that the country is fortunate and proud to be able to realise the combining of two national bodies with high brand equity.

The Minister further noted that this is a historic partnership where two national bodies that characterise national strength and unity are joining forces to promote Sri Lanka Cricket during a time the country has entered a new phase of growth and development, united, free and strong.

The Minister also expressed his confidence that the synergies of the combination will contribute to many more victories for Sri Lanka in the international cricket scene and help strengthen the Sri Lanka brand.

Meanwhile the Chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel Ms. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena said that they are proud to be associated with the future of Sri Lanka Cricket.

The Chairperson further stated that as the national mobile service provider Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel is rooted in the pursuit of national interest and this partnership with Sri Lanka Cricket is considered as the crown jewel.

She also stated that sports is a means of building affinity and a spirit of oneness between communities of a nation and Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel considers the sponsoring of the Sri Lanka Cricket as a strategic investment in its brand building endeavour.

The sponsorship and patronage extended by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel towards Sri Lanka Cricket stands testimony to the trust and faith the company places in the national cricket team.

The decision by Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel to sponsor the Sri Lanka cricket team speaks volume for the continued commitment by the company to further its support towards the development of sports in Sri Lanka.

The Chairman of Sri Lanka Cricket Interim Committee D. Somachandra de Silva said that they have crossed a significant milestone in the history of Sri Lanka Cricket with Sri Lanka Telecom Mobitel coming forward to sponsor the national cricket team.

De Silva said that this sponsorship package has come at a crucial stage when there is a crisis in the global economy and it is certain to provide a great amount of strength and reinforcement to the Sri Lanka cricket team who were also present at this occasion.