Sanath Jayasuriya appointed UNAIDS goodwill ambassador

Sri Lankan cricket captain, Sanath Jaysuriya, is to be appointed a UNAIDS goodwill ambassador on Friday according to a report in The Island newspaper.

Dr Hemamal Jayawardene, Country Programme Advisor for UNAIDS, told the "Island" that Jayasuriya would be awarded a special gold award on his appointment by UNAIDS Chairman and World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative, Peter Hybsier, at a special ceremony on Friday.

Jayasuriya is understood to have signed a two-year agreement to become only the second `goodwill ambassador in Sri Lanka.'

Normally such an appointment brings with it financial rewards of between US$100,000 to US$200,000. However, the cricketer has apparently declined any financial compensation for his work.

He was selected as `a person who can make an impact on the young people of Sri Lanka.' His work will involve making public statements where there is good coverage. The message will be: "Responsible male behaviour can prevent the spread of aids."