Wanna be a part of FIFA fun — pop a Coke
While football in Sri Lanka is speeding on the reverse without a glimpse of hope, the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) has gone out of its ways to put the Indian Ocean island on the global map. This sudden development comes off the regular activity list of FFSL, who spearheaded to bring down the FIFA World Cup to Sri Lanka, which will happen on Tuesday and Wednesday in Colombo.
Sri Lanka will be the first out of 54 countries to receive and exhibit the masterpiece what is said to be made of 18 karat gold with a malachite base, stands 36.8 centimeters high and weighs 6.1 kilogrammes. It will reach Colombo on January 23 and will be kept for public viewing on January 24 at the BMICH premises from 9.00am to 2.00pm.
The FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola began its journey from Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium in Russia on September 9, 2017. The Russian leg of the FIFA Trophy Tour was officially launched when FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented President of Russia Vladimir Putin with the Trophy in the host nation of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
“Coca-Cola is delighted to bring the energy and excitement of the world’s most loved football tournament to Sri Lanka and to be part of this memorable experience for fans to view the original Trophy in person. We thank the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Sports for their untiring efforts to make this event possible,” said Debabrata Mukherjee, the Vice President, South West Asia Operations of Coca-Cola.
Mukherjee, who went on to reveal that he has firsthand experience on how football could unite individuals of different platforms and status while being based in Korea for four years, explained that through the initiative Sri Lanka could make a breakthrough in football.
With the FIFA World Cup Tour set to kick off in two days FFSL officials revealed that it had made a collective effort with the backing of the Ministry of Sports to unveil the Sri Lanka Football Vision 2030.
“FIFA World Cup is the highest reward in the world for any footballer and hosting this most symbolic trophy in the country for the first time is an amazing experience in the life time. I along with my Executive Committee and all football community stand committed to bring honour to our country through football at all times. Alongside this we also intend to reveal the Vision 2030 to build up football in Sri Lanka with a long term plan,” Anura de Silva, the FFSL President stated.
A dedicated airplane carrying the trophy will arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport after which the trophy will be brought to Colombo city. Here, it will be officially unveiled by President Maithripala Sirisena in the presence of many dignitaries. Thereafter, on January 24, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe will preside over a public event at the BMICH where the trophy will be displayed for 1,500 lucky fans to have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view the coveted trophy in real. The Trophy will then be taken to Maldives as the next destination of the tour itinerary on its way to Russia.