CICT, CMF donate $ 41,600 to SLTA’s wheelchair tennis program for 2023/24

CICT Head of CSR Grant Yang with SLTA President Iqbal Bin Issak, Wheelchair Tennis Committee VP Major General Shiran Abeysekera, other representatives of the two organisations, and some of the players at the presentation of the donation

Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) and the China Merchants Foundation (CMF) donated $ 41,600 (approximately Rs. 13.7 million at current rates of exchange) to the wheelchair tennis program of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA), extending their support to the sport for the ninth year. 

This latest donation takes the cumulative value of CICT’s and CMF’s monetary support to the development of wheelchair tennis in Sri Lanka to Rs. 68 million. Besides the provision of funds, CICT in collaboration with the CMF has donated custom-made, professional grade titanium wheelchairs to internationally-ranked Sri Lankan wheelchair tennis players and has also funded the refurbishment of two international standard hard surface courts at SLTA. 

CICT’s steadfast commitment to the cause has been acknowledged by the SLTA as the principal contributor to the recent growth of the sport and the emergence of high-performing Paralympians to represent the country.

The China Merchants Foundation is the social responsibility arm of CICT’s parent company, China Merchants Group (CMG).

CICT CEO Jack Huang said: “As a company that is committed to promoting inclusivity, CICT is justifiably proud of the progress of the SLTA’s wheelchair tennis program. Our consistent support has enabled the SLTA to plan and execute its development program over a longer term, achieving tangible results.”

Thanking CICT and the China Merchants Foundation for their support to the program, SLTA President Iqbal Bin Issak said Sri Lanka is now ranked No. 9 in the world in wheelchair tennis, and that the SLTA wheelchair tennis team comprises of 12 players, six of who are professionals.