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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Engineers’ Gymnast Becomes National Champion & SLE Karateka Wins Gold in India


Lance Corporal T.U.K Paththapperuma of Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE), making a new record for the consecutive 8th year, carried away the National Gymnastic Championship once again in the 40th National Games, held at Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Sunday (29).

He established the new Sri Lankan record and was adjudged the ‘Best Gymnast’ in Men’s category for the 8th consecutive year after he was first nominated for the same title in 2007.

Lance Corporal T.U.K Paththapperuma, currently following a two-year Gymnastic Training programme in Manila, the Philippines, was on a short holiday when he was invited to attend the National Games at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

He has also been chosen to represent Sri Lanka at the 20th Commonwealth Games to be held at Glasgow in Scotland.

Major General V.U.B Nanayakkara, Colonel Commandant, SLE appreciated his great achievements and made a cash reward of Rs. 1 lakh as an incentive for further promotion of his skills.

Lance Corporal Paththapperuma, an old boy at Ananda College, Colombo, has hitherto brought honour to the organization after wining in many a Gymnastic competition.

His unbroken record in the National Gymnastic Championship for the consecutive 8th year came in the wake of another Gold medalist, produced by SLE.

Private W.R.S Fonseka of SLE meanwhile, won a Gold Medal in the South Asian Cadet Junior and Senior Karate Championship in India during June 25 - 26 amidst cheers.

Competing in Kumite, 55 Kg weight class in Black Belt Grade 1 against many other contenders, Private Fonseka, in addition to his Gold medal, succeeded in securing another Bronze medal in the same tournament under the Kumite open team event.

On arrival from India, he was warmly greeted by Lieutenant Colonel S.P.G Gamage, Commanding Officer, 1 SLE at the Bandaranaike International Airport Saturday (28) morning.

Having received his primary education from Panadura Royal College, he joined the Army in December 2012. At present, he represents Engineers’ Karate team and the Army Karate team.

Major General V.U.B Nanayakkara extended his warm greetings to the Karateka who made the organization proud.