Presidential Laurels Awarded to Army Shooter

Corporal M.P.J.S Pathirana of 6 Sri Lanka Engineers (SLE) was awarded the ‘Most Outstanding Player of the Year - Shooting’ laurel by HE the President Maithripala Sirisena during the Presidential Sports Awards - 2015 ceremony at the BMICH on Wednesday (18).

Presidential Sports Awards, the national level ceremony that recognizes sporting excellence and skills of personalities, engaged in the field of sports every year is held under the patronage of the Ministry of Sports with a view to appreciating and felicitating them for their excellent contribution to the growth of sports in the country. 

Corporal M.P.J.S Pathirana joined the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers on 21 October 2001 and received excellence in firing at Regimental level, Army Level, National level and International level within a few years. 

He was selected for 2014 and 2015 National Championships and he secured three Bronze Medals in the 12th South Asian Games. 

He became the champion in the 50 m pre pistol, 25 m rapid fire pistol, 25 m standard pistol, 10 m air pistol contests, conducted by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). 

He has also taken part in under-mentioned international Championships:   

1)    9th Asian Shooting-Championship 2014 (India)
2)    13th Asian Shooting-Championship 2015 (Kuwait)
3)    14th Asian Shooting-Championship and Olympic Qualification Championship 2015 (India)
4)    12th South Asian Games 2016 (India)

During 2002-2007, he was selected as Best Private, Best Lance Corporal, Best Corporal and Best novice at both Engineer Regimental level and Army level.