Sri Lanka Sportsmen and Sportswomen are an Inspiration to the Whole Nation – President Wickremesinghe
The Kings and Queens of Asia as well as the Commonwealth Champions were felicitated in an event jointly organized by the official sponsor of the National Cricket and Netball teams, Dialog Axiata PLC, along with Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts with the participation of the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs, Sri Lanka Cricket, the Netball Federation of Sri Lanka.
Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, President of Sri Lanka, who graced the event as the chief guest said Sri Lanka’s sportsmen and sportswomen brought victory to the nation at the time of need as it became a morale boost for the nation that is facing many hardships. President Wickremesinghe, further said,
“The Sri Lankan skipper, Dasun Shanaka has given an example to the whole country on how to recover from defeat. If had given up after losing the first match to Afghanistan, Sri Lanka would have never won the (2022) Asia Cup and if the country has the mindset of the Sri Lankan skipper, the National Netball team and the Commonwealth Athletes who competed with the world and won, I think the country can compete successfully not only in Asia but against the world as well.”
The occasion was also graced by the Hon. Roshan Ranasinghe, Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs and other officials from the Ministry, the President of Sri Lanka Cricket Shammi Silva and officials from SLC, the President of the Netball Federation including Victoria Lakshmi and the officials of the Federation, along with Mr. Supun Weerasinghe, Group Chief Executive, Dialog Axiata PLC who are the official sponsor of the National Cricket and Netball Teams
The National Cricket team made history by securing their 6th Asian title by beating Pakistan in the final played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, UAE, while the Netball team also secured its 6th Asian title by beating Singapore 63 – 53, in Singapore at the grand finale.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England four Sri Lankan athletes secured medals. Sergeant Palitha Bandara won a Silver in the Paralympics discuss throw F44/64, while Yupun Abeykoon, the fastest man in Sri Lanka and South Asia won a Bronze in the Men’s 100 Meters. Dilanka Isuru Kumara (Men’s Weightlifting 55KG) and Nethmi Poruthotage (Wrestling Women’s Freestyle 57KG) secured Bronze medals.
Dialog Axiata is the proud sponsor of the Sri Lanka National Cricket, Netball, Volleyball and Esports teams. The Company also has a close association with the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, Schools Rugby, Paralympic sports by powering the Army Para Games, National Para Games and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games.
