FINAL ROUNDS of the Army’s annual Inter Regiment Firing Competition and its Prize Giving ceremony took place on Monday (18) at the Field Firing Range, Diyatalawa, attended by a huge crowd of enthusiasts.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya graced the occasion as Chief Guest on the invitation of the organizers of the event. This was the first time after absence of 20 years, a Commander of the Army attended an event of this nature at Diyatalawa, which was seen a morale boost to those in the field of rifle-shooting.
Brigadier K.A.W Edima, Chief Organizer of the Field firing tournament who is also the President of Sri Lanka Army Small Arms Association welcomed the Chief Guest on arrival at the venue.
Organized under 23 open category teams and 25 amateur teams, 503 rifle shooters vied with each other during the series that culminated with the finals and the prize-giving. The finals drew a very challenging and exciting response from the spectators, amidst cheering and thundering applause as the final rivals were competing.
Sri Lanka Army’s Gamunu Watch Rifle Shooting Team, offering a striking feature in the series won Championship Trophies for both Open and Novice categories in the firing event.
Bringing further success home, Gamunu Watch shooters also showed their colours in the Inter Regimental Open Combat Shooting competition and carried away the Trophy, giving a fresh notion of hope to the new entrants.
However, Commando Regiment rifle shooters clinched the Trophy for Novices category in the Inter Regiment Combat Shooting event. The Trophy for the ‘Best Shot’ went to Lieutenant K.L.D.A Suranga of Sri Lanka Army Gamunu Watch.
Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya awarded the Trophy to the winner and runners-up. Commander of the Army spoke high of their talents and congratulated them on their achievements after meeting them during the awarding ceremony.
In addition, 36 competitors who had scored more than 80% of the total aggregate marks were presented Army Commander’s medals on the same occasion. Three more officers who served as curators in the firing range were appreciated with award of special medals on the occasion.
Major General Mendaka Samarasinghe, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, senior officers and soldiers representing all Regiments witnessed the event.
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