Promote tourism via cricket: Boon
As Sri Lanka is on the lookout for an effective strategy to present its tourism offering on the world stage, visiting ICC referee and former Australian batsman David Boon noted the island nation could successfully promote itself using cricket, an element the country has always been well known for.
According to the veteran cricketer, who is well known for his portly figure and distinctive moustache, Sri Lanka is popular today largely because of cricket, which is the point of connection for recognition.
“Sri Lanka cricket is known all over the world. Players like Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene and Aravinda de Silva are synonymous with the game and are instantly recognized.
“They all speak very highly of their home country and represent their nation really well. They would be accepted anywhere as ambassadors to introduce the country to formulate ties among countries for tourism purposes,” opined Boon, while speaking to Mirror Business in an exclusive interview during his recent visit to Sri Lanka as Tasmania Cricket Ambassador.
Boon was in Sri Lanka for Tasmania South Asia Mission 2016, where he accompanied Tasmania Premier Will Hodgman and State Growth, Minister for Energy and Minister for Environment, Parks and Heritage Minister Matthew Groom, to boot cultural ties between the two countries through cricket. During the short visit, Boon and the visiting delegation met with the Sri Lanka Cricket Board.
While recognizing the recent players, Boon stated that it is imperative for the relevant authorities to not forget the older players who foremost presented the nation in the international arena.
“They should not be forgotten. They were going into the unknown and they are one of the key reasons why Sri Lanka cricket is enjoying its position today.
“Roshan Mahanama, Aravinda de Silva, Arjuna Ranatunga and even Peter Manuel – they are the ones who formulated a pathway so that Sri Lanka could be shown on the world stage. They should not be forgotten,” he stressed.
When questioned as to who is the promising player in Sri Lanka’s current team, Boon stated there is no way he could individualize a player but said the members representing the country throughout the years continue to grow from strength to strength.
“In the time frame Sri Lanka has been a Test and international member in world cricket - for them to achieve what they have and produce the number of quality players is pretty special,” commented Boon. PIC BY DAMITH WICKRAMASINGHE