Delighted Seneviratne pays tribute to sponsors Dialog

Dinesh Weerawansa

President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Union (SLRFU), Asanga Seneviratne paid a glowing tribute to national sponsor Dialog Axiata for the financial support to promote the game. Seneviratne was delighted that Sri Lanka team emerged champions at the Asian Five Nations tournament concluded on Saturday and justified the efforts of Dialog.

Financial support

“If not for Dialog’s financial support, this win would never have been possible. Their sponsorship helped us greatly to look after the national team and groom a team for the future,” he said.

Sri Lanka rugby chief added that the SLRFU has been able to look after the national team and run the domestic premier league well. “Dialog’s contribution to promote rugby has been immense. While looking after the needs of the national squad, we were able to manage coaches and to conduct training camps. I think the boys have justified the sponsorship,” he said.

CEO of Dialog Axiata PLC, Dr. Hans Wijesuriya was a happy man to see his company’s sponsorship paying rich dividends. “When we took up the sponsorship, we knew that the SLRFU had a great vision for the game. They were keen to elevate the game to a different level. I am happy that the Sri Lanka rugby team remained unbeaten and won the Asian Five Nations tournament,” he said.

Great sport promoter

Dr. Wijesuriya, who has been a great sport promoter sponsoring different sports and also the Sri Lanka contingents in the past, said Dialog had full confidence that the SLRFU could come out with a successful recipe to promote Sri Lanka rugby.

“When you look back all our previous sponsorships, we had associated associations which had a vision. Sponsorship to the SLRFU too was on similar lines and they have made best use of it and the team has made the country proud,” Dr. Wijesuriya said. “All what everybody – officials, players and sponsors, have to do is to put our heads down and aim at greater achievements in future,” he added.

Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage said the national rugby team has made Sri Lanka proud by reaching the top and will now stand alongside heavyweights such as Japan and South Korea in the main tournament. “It is a creditable achievement and special thanks should go to the SLRFU and Dialog for making a winning combination,” the Minister said.

New chapter in rugby

Sri Lanka opened a new chapter in its rugby history when the national team, led by flanker Yoshitha Rajapaksa, emerged champions at the Asian Five Nations Tournament. It was the first time that Sri Lanka had beaten Kazakhstan in an Asian rugby tournament. Sri Lanka made a clean sweep winning all three matches in style.

The Lankan team sealed the title with a convincing 49 points to 18 win over Kazakhstan at Havelock Park.

Sri Lanka continued their dominance in the decisive game against Kazakhstan and collected their points from five goals, one try and three penalties.

Full back Reza Mubharak, who was the architect of Sri Lanka’s win with 19 points – three penalties and five conversions, in the game was adjudged the player of the tournament. Sri Lanka registered its third successive win in the tournament after overcoming Chinese Taipei 39-8 and Thailand 45-7 last Sunday and Wednesday respectively.

Only unbeaten team

The hosts remained the only unbeaten team in the tournament and qualified to play in the main tournament with Asian heavyweights Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and UAE next year. It was a remarkable achievement by the young Lankan team.

Sri Lanka, which went down to Kazakhstan 17-24 at the 2007 Rugby Asiad final in Colombo, came out with a blistering performance to beat their opponents, who were pre-tournament favourites.

The unique feature in Sri Lanka’s impressive performance at the Asian Five Nations Rugby Qualifiers was the dynamic leadership of Yoshitha Rajapaksa. He led from the front, inspiring the team.

Sri Lanka’s South African coach Ravin du Plessis has done a tremendous job with the Lankan lads since assuming duties in January. Within a short period of two months, he has been able to make a champion outfit.