Sri Lanka Cricket grants LK Rs 25 million to combat coronavirus

Colombo: The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Monday decided to contribute a sum of 25 million Lankan Rupees to the government, in order to help the fight against COVID pandemic. 

In an official statement issued by the cricket body on Sunday, SLC said that the grant will be handed over "immediately". 

"Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has taken a decision to grant a sum of LKR 25 million to the Government to help its efforts toward combating the Covid-19 pandemic, which has created a national health crisis.Accordingly, the grant will be handed over to the Government immediately,'' SLC said in a statement. 

SLC has already postponed all domestic cricket tournaments, until further notice, while have asked their players, (first class and national) and also employees to remain indoors, during this troubled time, obeying government directives.

"The SLC also wishes to take this opportunity to commend the Government, health and other government officials, the Sri Lanka Armed Forces, Police and all relevant parties engaged in doing its utmost best to help the nation recover from the ongoing health crisis,'' it added.  

Buoyed by the decision, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa took to Twitter to express his gratitude towards the board.

"Thank you to @OfficialSLC for the grant of 25 million lkr to assist the govt. in its battle against COVID19. The support flowing in from all ends has been overwhelming. We also thank all the individual players who have come forward in offering support," tweeted Rajapaksa.

The pandemic, which originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan in Hubei province, has so far claimed over 14,000 lives while infecting more than three lakh people across the world.(UNI)