Sri Lankan community hails Standard Bank
The Sri Lankan community in the country has applauded Standard Bank for sponsoring this year’s Cricket Fiesta held at Country Club Limbe on Sunday.
Chairperson of the organising committee Niroshan Dias said the event was a success courtesy of the bank who were gold sponsors of the event.
Dias said: “It’s amazing. There is a lot to say about their support. Without them, this could have been just a dream. But they made this possible. We really appreciate.”
Former Sri Lanka cricket star, Romesh Kaluwitharana, a 1996 World Cricket Cup winner, graced this year’s event.
the winning team
“Cricket is the most famous game back in Sri Lanka that’s why we hold this event starting last year. We have seen a lot of people not only from Sri Lanka, but also other Malawians showing interest.
Standard Bank head of marketing and communication Thoko Unyolo said they appreciate the role Sri Lankans play in the development of the sport in the country.
She said: “Standard Bank acknowledges the role that sports plays in the socio-economic development of the country. Most cricketers are our customers, while others would like to come and enjoy the excellent services we offer.
“Our partnership with the Sri Lanka cricket community is as a result of our deep understanding of the impact and contribution that Sri Lanka and its cricketers make in the world of cricket. As a bank passionate about building relationships, we are very proud to be associated with Cricket Fiesta and development of cricket as a sport.”
In his remarks, Kaluwitharana, said he was glad to be part of the 2016 Cricket Fiesta.
“I am really glad that I came to Malawi. The event was great. The players gave their 100 percent. It was really good to see them playing.
“Hopefully, this game will grow stronger. I have been to many African countries such as Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa. But I see a lot of energy here. I can foresee this country producing top players,” he said.
OG Lion Stars emerged this year’s champions while Rab Super Kings were runners up.
Rab Super Kings’ Arjuna Kanishka won the Player of the Tournament award while OG Lion Stars’ Aman Jameel was man-of-the-match in the final. Iresha Panawena of Rabs Super Kings won female cricket star accolade. n
