Etisalat strengthens Army rugby

Etisalat Lanka has signed a three years agreement as the principal sponsor for the Army rugby team recently. This is the first time that Etisalat is sponsoring the Army Rugby Team.

Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya and Etisalat Lanka Director/CEO Dumindra Ratnayaka exchanging the sponsorship agreement.

Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Etisalat Lanka, Dumindra Ratnayaka commenting on the partnership said, "We are very keen on enhancing the game of rugby in Sri Lanka. It's well known that Sri Lanka Army has been in the forefront in producing renowned sportsmen in the local and International arena. With the dawn of peace, Army personnel were given an opportunity to sharpen their sporting skills and we are very proud to sponsor the Army rugby team," he explained.

The Sri Lanka Army rugby team, one of the best local team in the club segment is participating in the "A" Division rugby tournament since 1962. The team has performed well over the years, winning the tournament on several occasions. Sri Lanka Army has been able to produce a strong rugby team within a short period after ending the 30-year civil war.

Acknowledging the Etisalat partnership Army Commander Lt. Gen Jagath Jayasuriya said, "In the recent past several of our soldiers have demonstrated exceptional talent in the game of rugby and represented the national rugby team on a number of occasions bringing glory to our country. We thank Etisalat for sponsoring our team and supporting the talent of our soldiers".

The Sri Lanka Army Team is coached by Ben McDougall, a prominent Australian Coach who performs as an assistant coach and an athlete of the London Scottish team. The Army team is also strengthened by three Fijian Army rugby players. The team maintains a rugby pool of 60 athletes.

Army Rugby Committee secretary Col. Manjula Wijesinghe, Army Sports Control Board Director Brig. Ravi Ratnasingham, Army Rugby Committee Chairman Maj. Gen. Aruna Perera, Etisalat Lanka Deputy CEO/CFO Riyaaz Rasheed, its Colombo Regional Business Manager Jayampathi Mawilmada, Etisalat Lanka Senior Marketing Manager Gamika de Silva, Etisalat Lanka Head of Corporate Communications Pradeep Carvalho, its Corporate Events & Brand Marketing Asst. Manager Udeni Rambukwella and Brig (Retd). J. P. A. Jayawardena were also present at the occasion.

With the aim of promoting rugby in the country Etisalat is also sponsoring the Kandy Sports Club (KSC) since 2010 and has also signed an agreement in April, 2013 to sponsor the Wesley College rugby team for the on-going inter-school rugby season.