Cinnamon Life pledges accommodation for Sri Lankan Olympic contingent

From left: Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts Vice President – Marketing and Events Dileep Mudadeniya, John Keells Group Chairman Krishan Balendra, Sports and Youth Minister Namal Rajapaksa, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka President Suresh Subramaniam and Sports Ministry Director General Amal Edirisooriya

As a way of appreciating Sri Lanka’s Olympic team for representing the country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Cinnamon Life will be hosting the contingent at Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Cinnamon Life, which is Sri Lanka’s first ever integrated resort will  host the entire contingent on full board complimentary basis, in adherence with all necessary COVID-19 health and safety protocol stipulated by the Tokyo Olympic organisers within a special dedicated floor at the Cinnamon Grand Colombo.

Commenting on the initiative, John Keells Holdings PLC Chairman Krishan Balendra noted: “Even amidst the challenging times the travel and tourism industry continues to face, Cinnamon Life recognises the need to support our national Olympic team and has agreed to provide accommodation for our Olympians and support staff on complimentary basis. We will extend our fullest care to give them the right state of mind with all necessary comforts to enable them to perform their best. Sports bring out national pride in any country and we believe that this gesture will assist to play a part in showcasing the talent of our national athletes to the world.”

Sri Lanka will be represented by nine athletes and 17 officials at the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics, who will compete in nine sporting categories namely athletics, badminton, equestrian, gymnastics, judo, shooting and swimming. 

Concluding, Balendra stated: “With the vision of being the trendsetter in the hospitality industry, Cinnamon Life provides service offerings which go beyond traditional hospitality.  We are trying to be pioneers in innovative solutions affecting the lives of all our stakeholders and are proud that a Sri Lankan brand that is invested in the growth of our nation, was chosen to ensure the needs and safety of our national athletes. As a responsible corporate citizen, we pledge to care for the nation’s people and communities through the practice of our core values: caring, trust and integrity. Offering complimentary accommodation for the national Olympians is a form of giving back and showing our appreciation for their dedication and commitment to represent our great nation.”

Originally scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020, the Games had been postponed to 23 July to 8 August 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This will be Sri Lanka’s 18th appearance at the Summer Olympics, with the exception of the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. The Sri Lanka team will consist of nine athletes; four competing in the men’s category; five] competing in the women’s category.

Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa stated: “We are very keen to ensure the wellbeing of the athletes and aim to offer them the best comforts to boost their confidence and motivation as they prepare to represent our nation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. We chose a great Sri Lankan brand and appreciate the generosity and hospitality of Cinnamon during these difficult times in helping our national Olympic contingent for the upcoming Olympic Games. Support from local corporates for the development of sports is something to admire and acknowledge, as we need to build more athletes and sportspersons, and this would undoubtedly help to improve the growth of this talent in our country.” 

Further commenting on the gesture, President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka Suresh Subramaniam stated, “I am indeed privileged to be a part of Sri Lanka’s Olympic Committee. I am truly heartened to know that big corporates in Sri Lanka have defied all barriers and joined hands with us to support Team Sri Lanka. This is what you call true team spirit.”