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- Aug 20th, 2008
Singer (Sri Lanka) and SriLankan Airlines will celebrate a decade of the country’s premier international rugby event – the Singer SriLankan Airlines Rugby Sevens – which kicks off at the Nittawela Stadium in Kandy from the 5th to 7th September.
Teams from ten countries have already confirmed their participation in the three-day tournament, namely Sri Lanka, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Arabian Gulf, India, and Kazakhstan.
The field is wide open this year with the absence of the event’s traditional powerhouses Hong Kong and Japan, and some fast-paced action is expected when the teams scrum down.
Hemaka Amarasuriya, Chairman, Singer (Sri Lanka), said: “This tournament is one of Singer Sri Lanka’s main sporting events, and we expect it to continue as the most anticipated annual rugby event in the country. It has enhanced the standard of rugby in the country, particularly in Kandy, and the sport’s popularity has soared with youngsters. It is no coincidence that there are now half a dozen schools in Kandy with reputations for excellence in rugby, whose teams have grown ever stronger in the ten years since the tournament was first held.”
Kaushal Seneviratne, Regional Manager Far East & Asia Pacific/UK, Europe & Americas of SriLankan Airlines, said: “SriLankan Airlines is proud to continue its long-time role as a major partner to international rugby in Sri Lanka. This tournament has for a decade focused the spotlight of the sporting world on Sri Lanka for three days every year, and plays an important part in enhancing awareness of our country among international travellers and sports fans.”
As always, the tournament will include a schools event, with 12 of the top teams. The teams of Royal College, Isipathana College, St. Peter's College, Wesley College, Ananda College, Nalanda College, and St. Joseph's College will travel up to Kandy to do battle with Kingswood College, St. Anthony's College, Dharmarajah College, St. Sylvester's College, and Vidyartha College, all of which will enjoy a hometown advantage.
Iswan Omar, Chairman of the Organising Committee, said: “This tournament is one of those magical events which will remain vividly in the memories of all who have been privileged to be part of it over the last decade. What we can predict with absolute certainty is that Sri Lanka will once again prove to be the most congenial of hosts and that the tournament will continue to excite and enthral in this uniquely spectacular setting. On behalf of the Organizing Committee I would like to thank the Sponsors and the Rugby Union for all the support extended to us to organize this prestigious annual event.”
This year promises to be extra special with a wide range of events and attractions to celebrate a decade of the Singer SriLankan Rugby Sevens, providing an added incentive for rugby fanatics to flock to our hill capital. Kandy is expected to turn into one huge party during the tournament, with hotels and restaurants anticipating thriving business from rugby fans.
Singer, one of the country’s leading multi-nationals, joins hands with the National Carrier SriLankan Airlines and the Kandy Sports Club once again to host the event, with the patronage of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union.
Amaya Leisure plc, an associate sponsor of the event since it’s inception, will be the hospitality provider for all participating teams and officials; their property Amaya Hills Resort being the host hotel. Other sponsors include Rolls Royce, HAESL, and CFM International. John Keells are the Product Sponsors.
SriLankan Airlines, the country’s award winning airline, now flies to 41 destinations in 22 countries throughout Europe, the Middle East and Asia. The airline supports international sports and other events that promote tourism to the island nation.
Singer (Sri Lanka) is a household name in Sri Lanka for electronic goods and domestic appliances. Singer is a strong supporter of rugby in Sri Lanka, and sponsors the national team, leading clubs, and schools.
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