Tokyo Cement levels the playing field

Friday, 15 November 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Supports the development of cricket in the North and East

Tokyo Cement Group, the leading manufacturer and supplier of international standard cement in Sri Lanka, once again demonstrates its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship by donating Tokyo Super, Pozzolana cement for 60 concrete side pitches for schools in the North and East. The concrete side pitch initiative is the brainchild of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) and The Foundation of Goodness (FOG). Former CEO of the cricket board, Ajith Jayasekera and cricketing legend Muttiah Muralitharan reached out to Tokyo Cement to donate cement for the sixty pitches. The pitches were declared open by a young cricketer, Kajeeban (Captain of Kilinochchi Central College), SLC Secretary Nishantha Ranathunga (accompanied by officials from the Sri Lanka Cricket board), and Muttiah Muralitharan on Tuesday, 5 November. Also present at this occasion were Tokyo Cement Chairman Edgar Gunatunge and representatives of the company.

Speaking about the sponsorship, Gunatunge said: “When Muttiah Muralitharan came to us with a proposal to build concrete pitches in the North and East we rose to the opportunity. We recognised that this initiative led by SLC and FOG would considerably develop the prospects of students in the region, therein our donation of all the cement required for the construction of sixty pitches seemed like a small price to pay for a truly rehabilitative program, in an area largely neglected after three decades of conflict.” “This is about levelling the playing field, and tapping the potential of a whole segment of our nation’s youth. It’s about giving these kids the opportunity to step up to the crease, and come out swinging, and perhaps prove themselves worthy of a chance to represent the country. The prospect of future legends being groomed on pitches built with our cement gives us great pride and hope for the future.” Muttiah Muralitharan spoke of the project’s objective to support schoolboys in the North and East by providing them with an opportunity to be trained by SLC district coaches; to groom cricket stars that can one day represent our country. He then thanked Tokyo Cement for willingly contributing to this project. Responsibility of Sri Lanka Cricket Meanwhile, Ranathunga spoke of the responsibility of Sri Lanka Cricket in nurturing good citizens through sport. He added that this initiative undertaken by SLC and FOG creates a selection platform for schoolboys to be recognised, and even represent their country. He thanked Tokyo Cement for their sponsorship and all other donors that have contributed to this project. Following the ceremonial opening of the concrete pitch at Kilinochchi Central College, cricket gear from SLC and FOG was donated to Principals and Masters-in-charge of 30 schools at which concrete pitches have been constructed.