EFL steps up to play a key role in the rejuvenation of Sri Lanka Rugby

January 8, 2021 January 8, 2021

Colombo: EFL, the most technologically advanced forerunner in Supply Chain and Logistics in Sri Lanka, reaffirms its support to the sport of rugby by stepping forward as a main sponsor for both the Sri Lanka Rugby National Women’s 7s and Under U24 Men’s teams. EFL has pledged to become a main sponsor during these challenging times, in order to empower the national teams. Players will proudly sport the EFL logo on their jerseys and other rugby gear. EFL is already strongly associated with the sport of rugby, having previously forged ties and helping with the revival of the Havelock Sports Club. Furthermore, they have supported the Sri Lanka Referee’s Association along with Schools Rugby over the past years. EFL also owns and manages the Colombo Football Club, which incidentally went on to win the President’s Cup in 2020, whilst having sponsored the Mercantile Volleyball Association for a number of years.

Kevin Herft – Consultant for Sri Lanka Rugby, Irshad Razack – Global Head Air Freight of EFL, Rizly Illyas – President of Sri Lanka Rugby, Rear Admiral HAUD Hettiarachchi – Vice President and Chairman of Women’s Development and High Performance of Sri Lanka Rugby, Saif Yusoof – Managing Director of EFL, Jude Pillai – Hon. Secretary of Sri Lanka Rugby, Sammy Akbar – Director of EFL 3PL and Leroy Ebert – Chief Growth Officer of EFL 3PL commemorating the partnership between EFL and Sri Lanka Rugby.

Commenting on the new sporting alliance, the Managing Director of EFL, Saif Yusoof said, “We have long considered ourselves a serious patron of sports because we believe the lessons learnt help us to enhance our competitiveness and team spirit. We are hopeful that this support will set the paving stone to build a valuable talent pool for Rugby all the way up to the national level, so that Sri Lanka can compete on the world stage with a strong and skilled team.”

Considering its affinity to support sports in the nation, EFL’s work culture also reflects a strong push for sporting events, counting five national rugby players amongst staff and an equally compelling sense of competitiveness and camaraderie as the team works together to take the company to the forefront of the logistics industry.

The President of Sri Lanka Rugby, Rizly Illyas said, “This is a significant partnership for the development of women’s rugby and a pathway to nurture young talent. This partnership is a testament of Sri Lanka Rugby’s commitment to support the vision and mission of Hon. Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa to raise the standards of all sports. Our partnership with EFL began when EFL stepped forward during times of uncertainty to help Sri Lanka Rugby by airfreighting Kids’ Rugby balls from Mumbai. When I went to thank EFL for their generosity, we learned about their commitment to gender equality and their interest to champion and develop women’s rugby as well as inspire young talent to play rugby.”

Sri Lanka Rugby Vice President and Chairman of Women’s Development and High Performance Rear Admiral HAUD Hettiarachchi said, “This year we will have a special drive through the Provincial Unions to double our numbers, identify talent and increase competitiveness in our national side.”

About EFL

EFL is a member of Expolanka PLC – a leading conglomerate with interests in Logistics, Leisure and Investments. The company has thrived on overcoming the challenges of operating in limited logistic infrastructure markets, taking its operations to 23 countries, 60+ offices and over 2,300 staff around the world.