Mahinda Rajapaksa international Soccer from December 3

Yasaratne GAMAGE

The innaugaral Mahinda Rajapaksa International Football Tournament will be held from December 3 to 9 with the pariticipation of four countries at the Jayathilake Sports Complex , Nawalapitiya .

The official launch and unveiling of the trophy was held under the patronage of Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage as the chief guest at the Football House, Torrington yesterday.

The participating teams are Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bangladesh and Pakistan. There will be two matches every other day commencing from December 3 where Sri Lanka will play against Maldives in the opening match.

Speaking at the occasion Minister Mahindananda said that the trophy was named as H E Mahinda Rajapaksa International Football Trophy to honour the president Mahinda Rajapaksa who has a keen interest and knowledge in sports and has been the major catalyst for the development in the sports field.

He also explained how the combination of Sports Ministry and Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) led to initiate a novel programme to bring the talented rural footballers to form a confident national pool with the aim of achieving international victories.

The FFSL president and Parliamentarian Sarath Weerasekara speaking at the occasion thanked Sports Minister for the immense support and guidance for improve the sport.