Softlogic in association with Panasonic designates Mithun Perera as Sports Ambassador

Golfer Mithun Perera (left) receives the sponsorship cheque from Softlogic Holdings Chairman Ashok Pathirage

Mithun Perera, Sri Lanka’s sole standard-bearer on golf courses around the world, will be supported in his quest for further golfing glory by the Softlogic Group, one of the country’s fastest-growing diversified conglomerates, and Panasonic, the worldwide leader of diverse electronic technologies and solutions. Mithun Perera aged 29, world ranking 370, is the only professional golfer from Sri Lanka.  

The partnership entails sponsorship for the rest of his tournament calendar for 2016 which encompasses the Asian, European and Indian tours. He will be in action in Thailand, Russia, Switzerland, Japan, Scotland, Taiwan, Macau, Hong Kong, Philippines and India. Mithun is associated with Softlogic, ODEL and Panasonic and has been touring India as a part of The Panasonic Open. 

“Mithun has been called the poster boy of Sri Lankan golf for his transition from humble beginnings at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC) to the top circuits of international golf,” said Softlogic Holdings PLC Chairman Ashok Pathirage. 

“As a significant supporter of sports and the aspirations of Sri Lankans, we are proud to sponsor Mithun, and contribute to his future success. Softlogic has always been a keen advocator of sport in the country and tried to play a role in fostering youth empowerment through sports. This partnership will help further cement that position as young Sri Lankans take on the mantle to play Golf at an international level.”

Commenting on the partnership with Mithun Perera, Panasonic South Asia DGM, Sales and Marketing Bhupender Bhardwaj said: “Panasonic globally supports professional golf and promotes it at the highest levels in Asia. The association with Mithun showcases the growing strength of golf while promoting the country as a leading tourist and golfing destination in the region. Mithun is an emerging talent who has fast tracked the popularity of the game. He is an example of commitment, dedication and hard work -- a perfect extension of Panasonic. We are proud to be associated with him and we look forward to shape him in to a worthy champion.”

“It is an honour to represent Softlogic, ODEL and Panasonic as a Sports Ambassador,” Mithun Perera said. “Softlogic is a strong brand in its own right and represents some of the world’s most prestigious fashion and lifestyle brands in Sri Lanka, ODEL being one of them. Panasonic is a global powerhouse in consumer electronics that engages in promoting global sportsmanship. I see this partnership as a great example of the win-win proposition that can be achieved through committed and passionate corporate sponsorship of sportsmen and women.”

The son of golfing legend Nandasena Perera, Mithun Perera came to public attention in 1997 when he became the runner-up at the Sri Lanka Junior (Under 15) Championship at the age of 11. He won that championship the following year, won three more junior national championships by 2004 and stepped on to the international stage the same year, becoming runner-up at the Pakistan Junior (Under 18) Championship. 

By 2006, at age 20, he had won the Sri Lanka Amateur Championship and become runner-up at the Amateur Championships of Singapore, Pakistan and Hong Kong. His career as an amateur golfer included wins and top 10 placements at 43 tournaments in Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

The highlights of Mithun Perera’s career as a professional golfer include a ranking of 20 in the Asian Tour in 2015, a ranking of 4 in the Indian Tour in 2012 and a world ranking of 370. He is the first Sri Lankan to have full playing rights on the Asian Tour in which he has been the runner-up thrice, and the first Sri Lankan to have multiple wins on the Indian Tour. Mithun has a career-best third place on the European Tour, and was adjudged No 1 driving accuracy player on the Asian Tour last year.