Sri Lanka: Union banking on younger generation (8 October 1998)

8 October 1998

Sri Lanka: Union banking on younger generation

by Sa'adi Thawfeeq

Union Bank is making the best possible use of their most-prized possession, Sanath Jayasuriya to continue to establish the objectives of 'Innovation' a foundation committed to achievement, which is indirectly building a strong foundation for the younger generation.

The Bank made a contribution of Rs. one million to Jayasuriya at a felicitation accorded to him at Colombo Hilton on Tuesday, to boost the coffers of the fund near the Rs. five million mark.

It so happened that Jayasuriya timed his achievement to perfection that it coincided with the second presentation ceremony.

The foundation was initially begun last year with a contribution of Rs. one million by the bank, shortly after Jayasuriya had taken a triple century off the Indians at the R. Premadasa Stadium.

The fund was originally begun for Jayasuriya, but being the man he is, pure and simple, he wanted to use it for the cause of helping and promoting rural cricketers. Thus, the commencement of 'Innovation'.

Within the space of 12 months, contributions from all over the country has taken the fund total to dizzy heights.

"The money we have received will be put into a trust fund and the interest which accrues out of it will be used to help deserving cricketers, especially those from the outstations," said Union Bank managing director Shan Shanmuganathan.

The "innovative wizard of cricket" Jayasuriya, who is one of the trustees of the fund has been given the task of identifying such cricketers. He has already identified three from down South which the Bank will contact shortly.

Tuesday's function was attended by nearly 700 guests from a wide cross-section of business associates and clientele, which brought in more contributions for the fund, mostly through pledges.

The Sri Lanka cricketers who performed exceptionally well in the Oval Test against England, Jayasuriya, Aravinda de Silva, and Muthiah Muralitharan along with captain Arjuna Ranatunga, and members of the Sri Lanka Cricket Board graced the occasion, to provide a homely atmosphere to the evening which was highlighted by the screening of Jayasuriya's fantastic double century against England on two big screens.

Source :: Daily News (https://www.lanka.net)