National telecommunications giant - Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) came out with a lavish Rs. 10 million sponsorship package to boost the Sri Lanka contingent for next month’s summer Olympic Games in China. 

The mega sponsorship to power the Beijing-bound Lankan contingent was presented at a special ceremony held at Galadari Hotel, Colombo yesterday. The sponsorship will also cover other NOC activities including the National Olympic Academy.

The Postal Department issued first day covers of four postal stamps to mark the Beijing Olympic Games.

Minister of Sports and Public Recreation, Gamini Lokuge, who was the chief guest, said the SLT sponsorship will go a long way in recognising the talents of Lankan sportsmen and women.

He said most of the Lankan sportsmen and women who are down to compete at the Beijing Olympic Games are abroad on special training programs sponsored by the Ministry of Sports.

Minister Lokuge said that his Ministry would give all encouragement and support for the Lankan sportsmen and women to sharpen their skills at international level and wished the Sri Lanka contingent all success in Beijing.

Chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom and SLT Mobitel, Mrs. Leisha de Silva Chandrasena presented the Rs. 10 million sponsorship cheque to the President of the National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Sri Lanka Hemasiri Fernando.

She said the SLT has been encouraging Sri Lanka’s national sportsmen and women and said they are glad to sponsor the Lankans for the pinnacle of world sport. The SLT Chairperson said the Sri Lankan contingent is rich in talent which could make our country proud.

NOC President Fernando thanked the SLT for coming forward to provide financial backing to Lankan sportsmen and women when it matters the most. He said the SLT’s lavish sponsorship would inspire Sri Lankan Olympians to reach greater heights.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of Posts and Telecommunications Mahinda Wijesekera, SLT Mobitel CEO Suren J. Amarasekera, SLT and SLT Mobitel Director S. N. Kumar, NOC Secretary General Commander H. U. Silva, Ambassador for the Peoples Republic of China Ye Dabo and Chef-de-Mission of the Sri Lanka contingent and NOC Vice President Dian Gomes.

Star woman sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe, currently training in the US, will be the overall captain of the Sri Lanka contingent.

Jayasinghe, who won women’s 200m bronze at Sydney 2000 Olympics, will lead the Lankan contingent to China which comprise three men and four women.

Jayasinghe will carry the Lion flag at the Opening ceremony of the Bejijing Olympic Games. The other women of the team include badminton player Thilini Jayasinghe, javelin thrower Nadeeka Lakmali and swimmer Mayumi Raheem.

Source:dailynews