UTE helps to boost golf tourism

United Tractor and Equipment (UTE), the local distributor for the world- renowned Caterpillar Brand of equipment, hosted the annual Caterpillar Far East Dealers Association Conference (CFEDA) for 50 overseas delegates from Caterpillar and their South- East Asian Dealers, including India and China at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo recently.

As part of the itinerary, UTE arranged a novel CFEDA Annual Golf Championship played at the prestigious Royal Colombo Golf Club, the company said in a media release.

Priath Fernando, former Chairman UTE, as the current President of the Sri Lanka Golf Union (SLGU) organised the tournament.

The SLGU is the sole official controlling body for the sport of golf in Sri Lanka recognised by the Ministry of Sports, the National Olympic Council Sri Lanka and the R&A, which governs golf worldwide.

Thanking UTE and Caterpillar for the tremendous support given towards developing golf in Sri Lanka, Mr. Fernando said, “I am confident that UTE and the whole Caterpillar family will continue to go from strength to strength and continue their support towards the development of golf in Sri Lanka. The SLGU has embarked on a new journey under my leadership to make Sri Lanka Golf world class. Our new journey is to not only produce champion golfers but to also promote visits to Sri Lanka by more high net worth tourists through golf tours and international golfing events – in keeping with the mission of the Prime Minister.”

Commenting on UTE’s association with golf, Prasan Fernando, Chairman, UTE said, “We are happy that the event attracted a lot of players who teed off. CFEDA participants are mainly from countries with booming economies and we hope hosting this tournament will promote Sri Lanka as a golfing destination attracting golf enthusiasts and serve as an important asset to boost tourism.”

A highlight during the tournament was the announcement of SLGU’s new strategic partnership with the prestigious ' Crocodile' brand of menswear as the clothing partner.

Addressing the gathering, President SLGU said, “As President of the Sri Lanka Golf Union, I sincerely thank Crocodile Sri Lanka for joining and supporting the SLGU on its new journey. I am pleased our new strategic partner was able to offer on a complimentary basis the Caterpillar family of golfers special Crocodile branded golf shirts with the CFEDA Sri Lanka logo specially printed on it.”

Crocodile Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd. is the sole licensee for the crocodile brand apparel and lifestyle accessories in Sri Lanka since 2001.