World Footy News

Sri Lankan English-language newspaper The Daily Mirror is reporting that a group of AFL officials recently met with the country's Minister of Internal Trade & Cooperatives, Mr Johsnton Fernando. The meeting, which was arranged by Manel Dharmakeerthie, discussed how best to promote Australian Football in Sri Lanka.

Dharmakeerthie is known in South Asia for his involvement with the Chinese sport of Wushu. He is now working closely with Milton Amarasinghe, a former Director General of Sports, to develop Australian Football in Sri Lanka. Their first aim is a tournament to be held in 2011. Fernando was supportive of their plans, and has agreed to offer, "his fullest support to develop footy (in Sri Lanka)."

Several current and former AFL players were also present at the meeting, including the AFL's new International Ambassador, Brett Kirk. The players are in Sri Lanka to learn more about that country's indigenous Vadda people and their place in Sri Lankan society, in an attempt to assist Australia's own indigenous communities upon their return.