09th December 2022 15:00:28 Hours
The outdoor-based Air Badminton, identical to the sport badminton which Mullaittivu students would not have had the chance to experience was introduced to the student community in Thunukkai and Mallavi areas, consequent upon an initiative, taken by troops in the 65 Infantry Division of the Security Force HQ-Wanni.
17 (V) Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) troops of the 651 Infantry Brigade accordingly constructed two badminton courts for Thunukkai Maha Vidyalaya and Terankandal Maha Vidyalaya students interested in playing air badminton in order to introduce the sport in consultation with educational and school authorities as per conceptual guidelines given by Major General Prasad Edirisinghe, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 65 Infantry Division.
The project was carried out by troops under the close supervision of Brigadier Wasantha Bandara, Brigade Commander, 651 Infantry Brigade and Lieutenant Colonel A. A. N. B Athurugiriya, Commanding Officer, 17 (V) SLLI.
On Tuesday (6), a simple ceremony, headed by the GOC, 65 Infantry Division as the Chief Guest saw both courts were formally vested in the students. Adding significance to the occasion, the day’s Chief Guest after gifting them a stock of necessary accessories for the game warmed the court by joining the students in a friendly match.
Zonal Education Director for Mankulam, principals, teachers, Brigade Commander, 651 Infantry Brigade, Commanding Officer, 17 (V) SLLI and a large gathering of students were present at the inaugural event of both courts.
