Airtel Lanka powers Western Province Schools Rugby Football Tournament

Bharti Airtel a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 20 countries across Asia and Africa, today announced, today announced its association with the Western Province Schools Rugby Football Association along with the sponsorship of its annual tournament.

The tournament kicked off on 28 July with the Under-18, ten-a-side tournament, followed by the Under-14 10-a-side tournament which gets underway on 7 August and then the Under-16, 12-a-side tournament which happens on 18 and 19 August. All matches will be played at the Royal College Sports Complex from 8.00 a.m. onwards.

Speaking about the sponsorship Sri Lanka, Bharti Airtel CEO Suren Goonewardene said, “We have already established a dominant position as a leading supporter of school’s rugby and are very pleased to have extended that even further by partnering with the Western Province School’s Rugby Football Association to sponsor this prestigious tournament. We strongly believe in supporting school’s rugby as it creates a large pool of talented players who we believe can put Sri Lanka firmly on the international rugby map.”

“This tournament is a stepping stone for aspiring school rugby players who showcase their talents to move onto the next stage in their rugby career. We are very happy and proud to have Airtel Lanka as our sponsor for this year’s tournament, which we hope to take to even greater heights this time,” stated President of the Western Province Schools Rugby Football Association W. Sarathchandra De Silva.

Of the 30 school’s that play rugby in Sri Lanka, 22 are from the Western Province, while six hail from the Kandy District and the other two from the Kurunegala District. This tournament which was initiated in 1998 sees the active participation of all 22 schools from the Western Province. In the ‘A’ category 16 leading schools participate while six schools participate in the ‘B’ category.

Airtel Lanka recently made its foray into the field of sports sponsorships through its associations with Rugby and Tennis. The company thus far has been involved in the development of schools rugby, as evidenced by its sponsorship of S. Thomas’, St. Peter’s and Kingswood College’s Rugby teams as well as the Sri Lanka Navy Rugby team. While Airtel Lanka continues to be involved beyond just a mere investment with all its sports sponsorships stakeholders, it is committed to developing local talent to international standards, thus fostering school sports to new heights.