Nawalapitiya to get a taste of int'l soccer

President Rajapaksa Trophy on offer:

YASARATNE GAMAGE

The inaugural International Soccer Championship for the Mahinda Rajapaksa Trophy will be held with the participation of four countries, namely Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

The tournament will be held at the Jayathilake Stadium , Navalapitiya from December 2 to 8.

The tournament is organized by the Sports Ministry in collaboration with the Football Federation of Sri Lanka.

The opening and closing ceremonies will be held under the patronage of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on December 2 and 8 at the same venue, the sports ministry media sources said. One of the aims of the tournament is to develop football in Sri Lanka at South Asian and Asian level.

There will be high level sports officials from SAARC countries witnessing the game which in turn will help to popularize the event and its contribution internationally. According to FIFA November 2012 rankings, Maldives are at 159, Bangladesh 170, Pakistan 179 and Sri Lanka are placed 181.

The ministry also hopes to continue the tournament annually between the SAARC countries in different venues with the variation of the host country.