The Sri Lanka Armoured Corps' (SLAC) ‘Colours Night’ that recognizes sports talents of their troops, being one of the leading Regiments in the Army with a record history, had its award of colours in a glittering ceremony, held at Kotelawala Defence University auditorium on Saturday (23) evening.
During the event, twenty-seven more veterans of the SLAC received colours, appreciative of their talents and reputation brought to the SLAC in the field of Tennis, Rugby, Cricket, Kabbadi, Basketball, Shooting, Power-lifting, Tae Kwondo, Swimming, Wheelchair Badminton and Wheelchair Tennis.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army who is also the Colonel of the SLAC Regiment graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, flanked by several senior most SLAC officers like General (Retd) Rohan Daluwatte, et al.
The re-introduced Army Colours Night took place several months ago in January after absence of about 13 years, but the Colours could not be awarded to all the recipients on the same occasion in view of the high numbers of recipients in all the Regiments.
During the event, twenty-seven more veterans of the SLAC received colours, appreciative of their talents and reputation brought to the SLAC in the field of Tennis, Rugby, Cricket, Kabbadi, Basketball, Shooting, Power-lifting, Tae Kwondo, Swimming, Wheelchair Badminton and Wheelchair Tennis.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army who is also the Colonel of the SLAC Regiment graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, flanked by several senior most SLAC officers like General (Retd) Rohan Daluwatte, et al.
The re-introduced Army Colours Night took place several months ago in January after absence of about 13 years, but the Colours could not be awarded to all the recipients on the same occasion in view of the high numbers of recipients in all the Regiments.
Saturday’s (23) proceedings started off after lighting the traditional oil lamp and observance of a two-minute silence to recall the memories of fallen War Heroes. Soon after the spectators were provided a video footage of the SLAC sports achievements in past years, the customary welcome address was made by Brigadier I.P Ranasinghe, Centre Commandant SLAC.
The gathering burst into applause as the names of the first segment of colours recipients were announced to receive their colours from the distinguished invitees. Colourful and rhythmic dance performances of the Army Cultural troupe added colour to the event as they intermittently showcased their talents while the main programme was on.
Here are the excerpts of the Commander’s speech on the occasion;
Sri Lanka Army has produced a number of sportsmen and women who were able to compete both at national and international levels. Of them, sportsmen and women in the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) also occupied a prominent place. As the Colonel of the Regiment, I am delighted to state that the troops of the SLAC marching at the front during a battle have also been able to display their talents too in the field of sports. Let me extend all my best wishes to each and every colour recipient on behalf of all those serving the SLAC Regiment.
This is a tribute and a stimulus to all the SLAC sportsmen who excelled in sports in the past. All of them were not awarded colours due to large numbers and their absence during the previous Colours Night held a few months ago. The awarding of Colours tonight will no doubt serve an incentive to all others in the SLAC Regiment and the Army in general.
Time has come for all our War Heroes to show their talents in sports after the culmination of the war. I believe all sports loving men and women in the SLAC Regiment as well as in the Army would offer their support to bring more credit home both at national and international levels.
I wish more and more Army sportsmen would be able to participate in the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, scheduled to be held in 2018 in Hambantota.
Here follows the list of ‘Colours’ recipients;
TENNIS
Gen (Retd) R De S Daluwatte WWV RWP RSP VSV USP LOM ndc psc
RUGBY
Maj S J Samarasinghe
Maj S U B Pilimatalawa
WO I K P Naranthota
Sgt Karunathileka PWAB
Sgt Jayasena HK
CRICKET
Lt B L G A C Bowala
Cpl Prasad HKC
Tpr Nishantha OMN
Tpr Chaturanga JLU
KABADDI
Capt (Retd) S S Meegasthanna RSP
Sgt Nawaratne WMK
BASKETBALL
WO I A K A Rohana
Cpl Fernando KJND
Cpl Karunaratne MRP
L/Cpl Perera UANK
SHOOTING
WO I (Retd) DMWB Dissanayake
Cpl Sanjeewa NDN
POWER LIFTING
S/Sgt Kulathileka SMW
Sgt Rohitha PG
TAEKWONDO
Sgt Dilruk SADS
BOXING
Cpl Bandara MAN
L/Cpl Balasuriya IR
SWIMMING
Cpl Jayaratne JDS
Cpl Subasinghe SAS
L/Cpl Weerakkody TKS
WHEELCHAIR BADMINTON
Capt (Retd) M P Mahadiulwewa
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