The FIFA President Mr.Joseph S. Blatter and AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam and FIFA delegation arrived in Sri Lanka early afternoon of 3rd April for FIFA/AFC Tsunami Solidarity tour .Upon arrival he toured by chopper to Kalutara a place which was destroyed by Tsunami.
Mr. Blettaer and Hammam first visited the Vernon U. Fernando Stadium and unveiled a plaque for the construction of club houses in Kalutara. Than they were taken to the Tsunami affected long beach area called Kalido where one could still see some destroyed houses , Boat yard and fishing gear .Mr. Blatter and Mr. Hammam was welcomed by over 4000 youth football players and officials of 47 leagues with crackers and clapping until they reached the main stage. Mr. Blatter then unveiled the plaque for the development of first ever Beach football ground in Kalido beach, Sri Lanka an island blessed with beautiful and unspoiled beaches is sure to make a good impact on this beach football.
After the welcome speech a representative from northern provinces of Sri Lanka including un-cleared areas thanked FIFA/AFC and FFSL for all assistance extended to people and stressed that football could be used as an instrument to build bridges of peace.
The AFC President who is also the chairman GOAL project, in his address said that FIFA did not wait till Tsunami to come forward for the assistance of ember associations but with the Goal Project has helped over 150 countries to develop its infrastructure
Mr. Blatter requested thousands who present their to observe a minute silence for the children who are there who is recovering tsunami trauma and said FIFA /AFC Football for Hope has helped to bring very closer relationship with people affected by tsunami.
The Presidents then handed over contracts to 18 football leagues who are receiving Rs.300 ML assistance for the construction of youth training centers .
A Peace Beach Football game was played by children from Northern Region vs southern region. The Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim children from those areas played in the game proving the fact that Football has no cast, creed, race and Religious differences but one common universal language that is FOOTBALL.
MR.BLATTER and MR. HAMMAM MEETS MEDIA on the BEACH SIDE
The media meeting was held on the beach side once totally destroyed by Tsunami in Kalutara. It was a unique and one and only type held under hot sun conducted by FFSL Media unit where Mr, Blatter expressed his gratitude back to FFSL specially to Mr. Manilal Fernando for executing the Tsunami projects and Football for Hope programme initiated by FIFA for the benefit of those who are affected by Tsunami. Then the Presidents unveiled the 3 types of Models of proposed regional youth training centers.
Mr. Blatter and Mr. Hammam meets
the President of Sri Lanka
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcome
Mr. Manilal Fernando
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcome
Mr. Blatter upon his arrival to the President's house
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcome
Mr. Bin Hammam upon his arrival to the President's house
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcome
Mr. David Bourja
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcome
Mr. Urs Zanetti
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa welcome
Mr. Vinster Paul
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa with
Mr. Blatter, Mr. Bin Hammam and Mr. Manilal Fernando,
during their meeting in the President's house
Mr. Blatter explaing the tsunami assistance to
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Mr. Blatter explaining the tsunami assistance to
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mr. Manilal Fernando at the side
Mr. Blatter briefing His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Mr. Manilal Fernando breifing Sri Lanka Football Federation activities in response to tsunami to His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
Mr. Blatter and His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
exchanging gifts
Mr. Blatter and His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
exchanging gifts
Mr. Blatter and His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
exchanging gifts
Mr. Blatter and His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
exchanging gifts
Mr. Blatter and His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa
exchanging gifts
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa with
Mr. Blatter, Mr. Bin Hammam and Mr. Manilal Fernando
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa with
Mr. Blatter, Mr. Bin Hammam and deligation members
Mr. Blatter signs the guest book at President's house
His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa met with the FIFA delegation and thanked for FIFA./AFC support extended to facilitate rebuilding exercise of Sri Lanka. The unassuming His Excellency then was the Prime Minister and was overlooking the rebuilding and regaining Sri Lanka programme.
The National Television channel Rupavahini conducted an exclusive interview with Mr. Blatter on various aspects such as Football for hope, FIFA Goal project, World cup 2006 and the impact of Football in the world economy.
The FIFA delegation leaves Sri Lanka on 4th morning to Indonesia .
VIVA FIFA VIVA AFC
