Nottinghamshire all-rounder Steven Mullaney has returned from Sri Lanka after supporting a goodwill mission sponsored by luxury travel and tour operator Kuoni.

Mullaney spent five days in the country where he visited young cricket players at the Summerset Sports.Club and distributed clothing and equipment to aid their enjoyment of the sport.

A Test playing nation set to face-off against England in a floodlit One Day International at Trent Bridge on Wednesday 6th July, Sri Lanka is an established tourist destination but Kuoni hope to assist deprived areas during this project.

Mullaney has visited Sri Lanka previously on cricket tours but gained a new perspective during his latest trip.

“I was fortunate enough to play cricket in Sri Lanka during the Under 19s World Cup in 2006 and I was struck by the friendliness of the people and the beauty of the country,” he said.

“The children that I met were very grateful for the gifts that we gave to them and there is a huge appetite for cricket in the country.”

Kuoni recently opened a flagship store in Nottingham City Centre and hope that their association with Nottinghamshire can encourage cricket supporters to visit their destinations.

“We are delighted to work with Steven to help these young Sri Lankan cricketers to enjoy the sport and develop their skills,” said Anna Muir from Kuoni’s Nottingham store.

“Sri Lanka is one of the most exotic and beautiful islands in the world with a unique culture and warm, friendly people

“As a globally active tourism business, we have a responsibility towards the people and the environment in the destinations we go and in the places our customers come from and this trip was warmly received by Steven’s hosts.”

Summerset Sport Club is located in Moratuwa and gives talented local youngsters from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to play cricket in the third tier of Sri Lanka’s domestic structure.

Steve travelled with Kuoni (0115 947 0074/www.kuoni.co.uk) and stayed at The Blue Water (www.bluewatersrilanka.com) and Mount Lavinia Hotel (mountlaviniahotel.com). Prices for 2011 from £816 per person including 5 nights accommodation, flights with Sri Lankan Airlines from Heathrow and ground arrangements (www.keells.com).