British High Commissioner hosts England cricket team officials

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, John Rankin, hosted key officials of the England cricket team on Friday, 25 March, 2011 at Westminster House, the High Commissioner’s residence.

Among those present at the reception were David Collier, Chief Executive, England and Wales Cricket Board; Andy Flower, England Team Coach; Rhian Evans, England Team Media Manager; Phil Neal, England Team Operations Manager; Ben Langley, England Team Physiotherapist; Mark Wortherspoon, Team Doctor; Steven Elworthy, Director, Marketing and Communications, England and Wales Cricket Board; staff members of the British High Commission.

Speaking at the event, the British High Commissioner said: Cricket is a good example of the many historical and modern ties that Sri Lanka and England share.  Our shared passion for sporting events goes beyond cricket and the ICC.  The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games are due to commence next July and my home town, Glasgow, will host the 2014 Commonwealth Games.  The UK looks forward to bringing together diverse teams of athletes from across the world’s communities for these inspiring sporting and cultural occasions.” 

“I am conscious too that Sri Lanka is bidding to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Hambantota.  Sporting events on this scale open up a range of new opportunities for collaboration between Sri Lanka and the UK, particularly in the areas of trade and investment.  I wish Sri Lanka every success in its bid.  I look forward to continuing the UK’s strong cooperation with Sri Lanka in sport, culture, business and many other areas.”