KDCA secretary Vajira Asurappuli said as the sponsorship had come at very short notice, the KDCA had decided to play the tournament on a knockout basis this year. Only member clubs of the KDCA are entitled to participate.
The matches are currently taking place at four venues - Kalutara, Matugama, Badureliya and Horana.
Ceat general manager (manufacturing) Kiran Desai said as his company was involved in international cricket, it was most appropriate to help Kalutara in this field. He also explained the Ceat cricket rating system which gives equal opportunities to both batsmen and bowlers. Having enjoyed the hospitality and the beauty of the country, he said that he would back Sri Lanka in contests against India.
A sponsorship cheque for Rs. 100,000 was presented by Desai to KDCA president Mervyn J. Cooray.
The winners will receive the Sir Cyril de Soysa trophy and Rs. 15,000, the runners-up, Rs. 10,000. Individual awards of Rs. 2,000 each will be awarded to Man of the Final, Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Rs. 2,500 to Man of the Series.
Ceat officials Dilip Deshmulch and S.S. Patel and other KDCA officials were also present. KDCA tournament committee chairman Prasanna Vithanage proposed the vote of thanks.