RED BULL IS SRI LANKA CRICKET’S OFFICIAL ENERGY DRINK PARTNER
By Srian Obeyesekere
Yet another dimension was created by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) as the heartthrob of the 21-million cricket loving nation forged a partnership with Red Bull as the Official Energy Drink Partner of Sri Lanka Cricket yesterday at the Atrium of Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.
On a charged up night of riot and colour heightened by song and dance by a rendering by young vocalist ‘Yohani’ Red Bull got its act together in proudly driving the message of its powerful energy driving drink that has been the cornerstone to creating superstar athletes the world over.
The proceedings took off with Sri Lanka Cricket’s Secretary, Mohan de Silva doing the honours on behalf of the SLC management when he spelled out the high end value addition to SLC by such a partnership with Red Bull when he said, “I’m happy a world renowned brand Red Bull is partnering to strengthen the arm of Sri Lanka Cricket. Cricket is all about sponsorship and I’m sure this sponsorship will grow and that Red Bull will take this opportunity to harness their brand.”
At the outset, de Silva made special mention thanking the Red Bull management including Ram Thalaisigham, the Red Bull Regional Manager, India while thanking the VIP’s present including SLC Vice President, Ravin Wickramaratne, SLC CEO, Ashley de Silva, Director, Red Bul Campus Cricket and former Sri Lanka cricketer, Brendon Kuruppu, Sri Lanka Test and ODI Cricket Captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, and Sri Lanka Cricketer and Red Bull Athlete, Niroshan Dickwella and the media for their presence at such a landmark occasion.
Meanwhile, Director, Red Bull Campus Cricket and former Sri Lanka cricketer, Brendon Kuruppu, taking the floor, echoed the significance of the difference Red Bull made in driving the lives of young sportsmen, particularly the global cricketing community by its strength creating energy drink. “Red Bull is the No.1 drink in 177 countries giving wings to people and sports encouraging 830 plus athletes from 200 odd disciplines. It has added muscle to young sportsmen over the years and particularly the cricketers through its Campus Cricket initiative since 2012. Red Bull through its energy drink has enhanced talent around the world. Red Bull and Sri Lanka Cricket joining hands is a partnership to which we look forward to grow to new heights in the years to follow.”
The event culminated with the inauguration of the partnership by SLC Secretary, Mohan de Silva, SLC Vice President, Ravin Wickramaratne, SLC CEO, Ashley de Silva, Director, Red Bul Campus Cricket, Brendon Kuruppu, Sri Lanka Test and ODI Captain, Dimuth Karunaratne and Sri Lanka Cricketers and Red Bull Athlete, Niroshan Dickwella.
