The benefits of the foundation does not go to Jayasuriya, but primarily to promote: Sportsmen from outstation who have the potential to make it to the big league; and to the development of sports in the Matara district.
``The foundation is in honour of someone who has brought innovation into cricket, and it is inaugurated by a bank which believes in innovation as the core discipline,'' said Union Bank managing director and chief executive officer Shan Shanmuganathan at the launch held at the Colombo Hilton Hotel on Tuesday evening.
``Instead of providing Sanath with material things which may not last, we wanted to have something which will last forever, a perpetual one,'' said Shanmuganathan.
``Sanath being a nice guy as he is always, preferred that whatever we do, should benefit people who have the potential to come as stars like him, yet do not have the opportunities to achieve same. Being a man who is proud about his roots, he was keen to do something special for Matara in particular,'' said Shanmuganathan.
The Bank has committed Rs. five million towards this fund over a period of time and the initial payment of Rs. one million was handed to Jayasuriya at the simple ceremony attended by a large gathering of distinguished invitees.
The trustees of the foundation will be the bank's chairman Chanaka de Silva, general manager Janaka de Silva, Shanmuganathan and Jayasuriya.
``Sanath has the extraordinary ability to open doors. Whether it is the Dalada Maligawa or the British High Commission or a clients office or even a plush and exclusive restaurant in London. When they see Sanath doors open, even during times when they are not supposed to. It's unbelievable at times,'' said Shanmuganathan.
``Today for a change Sanath opens a door on his own in the form of this foundation inviting you to contribute,'' he said.
Visuals tracing Jayasuriya's background as a cricketer from his schooldays were shown to the well attended audience.
A portrait of Jayasuriya and a bat autographed by the master blaster were given away as lottery prizes.