Assistant Secretary, Sri Lanka Cricket, Mr. Chryshantha Kapuwatte, delivering the welcome address at yesterday’s official launch of Team Sri Lanka & the introduction of the Official Team Sponsor for the ICC T20 World Cup 2023, at the Cinnamon Grand. Colombo, while welcoming the distinguished VIP’s and audience on behalf of Sri Lanka Cricket’s President and Executive Committee, said, “I am honoured to have Ceylon Pure Incense of the NR Group, India, as the official team sponsor of the Sri Lanka Women’s Team for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 to be held in South Africa. You have been a longstanding outbound partner of SLC in stamping your name in cycling in Sri Lanka. While thanking Mr. Arjun Ranga, its Managing Director for that big gesture here’s wishing Cycle India for that long partnership to grow further. Similarly, I thank Mas Holdings Mr. Amaleen and his young team for once again partnering with Sri Lanka Cricket as the official clothing sponsor for the Sri Lankan Women’s Team for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023. We are very privileged to work with Mas and value the longstanding partnership as Sri Lanka Cricket’s clothing sponsor.”
Mr. Kapuwatte holding out a special message for the SL Women’s Team Captain Chamari Athapaththu and her team, said, “Play as one entity at the world cup. The whole of Sri Lanka is watching in anticipation. One individual can change a game.” He went on to announce that Sri Lanka Cricket’s Executive Committee had taken a big decision a day ago to take women’s cricket forward. “A special plan is in place for women’s cricket,” he said.
The SLC Assistant Secretary went on to express his satisfaction that the SL U19 Team had sounded that the country’s women’s cricket was on a good footing by losing to South Africa by one run and to Bangladesh by 10 runs. “It was just inexperience losing by one run. I must also mention that Inoka being named in the World XI is an honour for Sri Lanka and of course, our captain Chamari Athapaththu is a great pride for the country for her astounding batting feats”, he quipped.
The Team Sponsor, Cycle Pure Incense, India, Managing Director, Mr. Arjun Ranga, speaking on the grand occasion, said, “As a brand women’s empowerment has always been at our core as they are the powerhouse for growth. Our brand stands for hope and that is exactly what we want to bring forth with our presence in Sri Lanka as well, where we aim to spread the message of ‘Prayer for Hope’ amongst our family here in Sri Lanka. Through the partnership with the women’s cricket team, we aim to continue spreading the message of solidarity, prayer and hope not only for the women representing the team on international grounds but also for all in the country.” Mr. Ranga held out hope for women’s cricket in Sri Lanka in the following words, “The women’s cricket team has been quite strong in their games and we wish the squad the very best at the upcoming world cup. We hope and pray that the country comes out strong from its difficult situations. We will try our best to do whatever we can within our capacity to help the people of the country.”
Meanwhile, the team clothing sponsor, Mas Holdings Business Development Director at Mas Active, Amrah Akbar said, “Over the years we have maintained a strong partnership with SLC, introducing new new and improved products that meet the changing requirements of the teams. It is indeed a privilege to support our national women’s cricket team once again, providing them with advanced performance wear, made using the same innovative features and technology we do for the men’s jerseys.” He went on to elaborate that the Jersey was designed and developed at Mas Active (Pvt) Ltd., where body mapping technology is used to identify heat and perspiration zones in the human body. ‘Based on this research, the material is engineered with variable levels of ventilation and high absorbency. The material is developed to suit the environmental conditions of the playing field including the temperature and weather patterns in South Africa, to prevent discomfort during the game and elevate the player’s performance. This is enabled through wicking and moisture management technologies applied to lightweight, stretchable, breathable fabric that are tailored to maintain e right fit and comfort.”