Wasim Akram, the celebrated former cricket star from Pakistan and a prominent global figure, has enthusiastically spotlighted the tourism capabilities of Sri Lanka, declaring that the country should be acknowledged as the “premier holiday destination worldwide.”
During the Softlogic Life investor forum held at Cinnamon Life Colombo on June 16, Akram reflected on his long-standing relationship with Sri Lanka, which began when he first visited the island at the age of 17 in 1985. Over the years, he has returned numerous times as a cricketer, commentator, and, most significantly, as a tourist.
As part of the event, Akram was formally introduced as the brand ambassador for Softlogic Life. He commended the company’s leadership for its remarkable 36% market share in the insurance industry. The forum also featured the unveiling of a new television advertisement starring Akram, which he described as a challenging yet fulfilling three-day filming experience with a crew of 100 people.
In contrast to the green-screen commercials he frequently produces in Pakistan, Akram emphasized that this project highlighted “genuine locations” that captured the “stunning beauty” of Sri Lanka. He specifically praised the picturesque landscapes of Galle and the majestic mountain ranges adorned with “raging rivers,” calling them the “stuff of dreams.”
Despite his extensive travels around the world, Akram asserted that Sri Lanka is unparalleled in its appeal. “I have seen the world, but this place stands out,” he remarked to the audience.
In closing, the cricket icon expressed his intention to visit Sri Lanka frequently, regardless of work commitments, and conveyed his eagerness to discover the East Coast of the island in the near future.
