19th SEPTEMBER 2017, COLOMBO: Munchee, the flagship brand of Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL), announced that it will sponsor the National Volleyball Championship 2017 organized by the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation (SLVF) for the 10th consecutive year. The tournament is scheduled to commence on 30th September, and the grand finale will take place on the 18th November 2017. As the proud sponsor of the country’s national sport, Munchee has not only helped to develop and popularize the sport but has also created new avenues and a national platform to support and groom young talented players throughout the island.
As in the previous years the National Volleyball Championship will be conducted under Novice and Super League, forming altogether four categories for men and women. The tournament will be held at the district level and later National level. The final matches will be held on the 18th November at Maharagama Youth Services Council Indoor Stadium.
For the first time in Sri Lanka the SLVF is holding a number of exclusive matches in outdoor venues in several areas including Colombo, Gampaha, Hambantota, Galle and Trincomalee. The country’s top 8 Men’s teams and top 6 women’s teams are expected to showcase their sporting prowess at these venues. Usually the premier matches are played indoors, and are witnessed by a limited audience. However, during last year’s convention it was suggested to conduct the matches outdoors so that a great number of fans can witness these high end matches. Accordingly, a number of exclusive matches will be held outdoors to the delight of the volleyball fans throughout the island. A participation of 2500 to 3000 teams are expected this year.
President of the Sri Lanka Volleyball Federation and Minister of Power and Renewable Energy Hon. Ranjith Siyambalapitiya sharing his views on the role played by Munchee said, “I wish to extend my sincere thanks to Munchee for making a notable contribution towards uplifting volleyball by hosting Munchee National Volleyball Championship for 10 consecutive years. Munchee has spearheaded an endeavor to boost the sporting potential of youth across the island, and help them elevate their skills and talents to play on a national level. This is a moment where a commercial company has transcended from its commercial objectives and contributed towards a national cause. Let us pray that Munchee will have more strength and courage to continue their notable services for many more years to come.”
Commenting on the occasion, Chief Executive Officer of Ceylon Biscuits Limited Mr. Nalin Karunaratne said, “As a leading local business conglomerate, our main objective for extending this sponsorship towards Munchee National Volleyball Championship is to support and uplift the country’s national sport – Volleyball. This is the biggest and the most sought after game in the country and we are proud to be the sponsor of this national event for the last ten years.”
Elaborating further Mr. Karunaratne added, “As a leading business entity known for its innovative strategies, we are proud to support our national sport not only as a sponsor but as a key driver of the tournament hand in hand with the federation to harness the local talent to represent our country internationally. We will extend our sponsorship to the national volleyball championship once again this year through our flagship brand Munchee and I believe this year’s decision to hold the exclusive games in outdoor venues will definitely draw an unprecedented crowd to support and boost the morale of our young players.”
Ceylon Biscuits Limited not only support volleyball but also supports Cricket, Football, Squash, Athletics and many other sporting activities. This has placed CBL in the forefront of the corporate world as a company that extensively supports and upholds the spirit of sport time and again.