Army-Produced Corporal Bandara with His Bronze Returns Home

Sri Lanka Army-produced world-class, boxer Lance Corporal Ishan Bandara of the Corps of Engineer Services (CES) who made the Army and the country proud by winning a Bronze medal in the Men’s 52 kg boxing semi-finals against India’s Gaurav Solanki at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia was welcomed in a simple ceremony at the Colombo Airport on his return to Sri Lanka, together with the rest of the Sri Lankan team Sunday (15) evening.

Corporal Bandara during the tussles in Gold Coast almost knocked out his Indian rival in a convincing manner, although he could not secure a Silver or go for a Gold.

Sri Lanka Army Boxing Committee, chaired by Major General Rukmal Dias who had been the live-wire behind the achievement of the Army boxer, has so far spent more than Rs 3 m for training of this talented Army boxer by providing him with training in Uzbekistan, Netherlands, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Poland and Finland with the blessings of the Commander of the Army since the year 2010.

The Sri Lanka Army with the support of Army boxing Coach, Warrant Officer I Sampath Jayathilake has provided all nutrients and equipment for Corporal Bandara's sustained maintenance of his physical status and sound health.

This was the first time the Sri Lanka Army won Bronze in an internationally-recognized event of this nature, bringing credit to the organization.

Meanwhile, the Army weightlifter, Corporal J.A.C Lakmal of the 4 Commando Regiment (CR) of the Sri Lanka Army Sports Club who also won Bronze in the Men’s 56kg Weight category at the 21st Commonwealth Games came in for praise of the Commander of the Army.

Officials of the Sports Ministry, Senior Officers of the Army Boxing Committee and several Army Officers were at the airport to welcome the returning team last evening (15).