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Munchee, the flagship brand of Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. (CBL), announced that it will sponsor the National Volleyball Championship 2017 organised by the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation (SLVF) for the 10th consecutive year.
The tournament is scheduled to commence on 30 September, and the grand finale will take place on 18 November. As the sponsor of the country’s national sport, Munchee has not only helped to develop and popularise the sport but has also created new avenues and a national platform to support and groom young talented players throughout the island.
As in the previous years, the National Volleyball Championship will be conducted under the Novice and Super League, forming altogether four categories for men and women. The tournament will be held at the district level and later the national level. The final matches will be held on 18 November at the Maharagama Youth Services Council Indoor Stadium.
For the first time in Sri Lanka the SLVF is holding a number of exclusive matches at outdoor venues in several areas including Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, Galle and Trincomalee. The country’s top 8 men’s teams and top 6 women’s teams are expected to showcase their sporting prowess at these venues.
Usually the premier matches are played indoors, and are witnessed by a limited audience. However, during last year’s convention it was suggested to conduct the matches outdoors so that a great number of fans can witness these high end matches. Accordingly, a number of exclusive matches will be held outdoors to the delight of volleyball fans throughout the island. Participation of 2,500 to 3,000 teams is expected this year. President of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, sharing his views on the role played by Munchee, said: “I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Munchee for making a notable contribution towards uplifting volleyball by hosting the Munchee National Volleyball Championship for 10 consecutive years. Munchee has spearheaded an endeavour to boost the sporting potential of youth across the island, and help them elevate their skills and talents to play on a national level. This is a moment where a commercial company has transcended from its commercial objectives and contributed towards a national cause. Let us pray that Munchee will have more strength and courage to continue their notable services for many more years to come.”
Commenting on the occasion, Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. Chief Executive Officer Nalin Karunaratne said: “As a leading local business conglomerate, our main objective for extending this sponsorship towards the Munchee National Volleyball Championship is to support and uplift the country’s national sport volleyball. This is the biggest and the most sought after game in the country and we are proud to be the sponsor of this national event for the last 10 years.” “As a leading business entity known for its innovative strategies, we are proud to support our national sport not only as a sponsor but as a key driver of the tournament hand-in-hand with the federation to harness the local talent to represent our country internationally. We will extend our sponsorship to the national volleyball championship once again this year through our flagship brand Munchee and I believe this year’s decision to hold the exclusive games in outdoor venues will definitely draw an unprecedented crowd to support and boost the morale of our young players,” Karunaratne elaborated.
Ceylon Biscuits Ltd. not only supports volleyball but also cricket, football, squash, athletics and many other sporting activities. This has placed CBL at the forefront of the corporate world as a company that extensively supports and upholds the spirit of sport time and again.