‘Major General Y Balarathnarajah VSV USP ndc’ Combat Endurance Training Competition-2023 Held in Anuradhapura

‘Major General Y Balarathnarajah VSV USP ndc Combat Endurance Training Competition - 2023’, organized by the Anuradhapura Sri Lanka Armoured Corps (SLAC) Training Centre was held from November 17 to 19 at the battle obstacle belt at the Armoured Corps Training Centre.

The aim of this competition is to enhance fitness, endurance, self-confidence and team spirit for soldiers in the Armoured Corps. An initiative taken by the Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Armoured Corps enabled its conduct for the first time.

It has been planned as an annual event hereafter. The competition is designed to run 5 km and then cross 20 battle obstacles, in full battle order. Six teams participated, representing the six units in the competition. Each team comprised 20 soldiers, representing Officers and Other Ranks.

4 Sri Lanka Armoured Corps Regiment team emerged as the champion team in the ‘Major General Y Balarathnarajah Challenge Trophy 2023’ while the 5 SLAC Reconnaissance Regiment team and 1st Reconnaissance Regiment team were pushed to claim runner-up and second runner-up slots respectively.

Lance corporal P.B.A Thilakarathne of 4 SLAC became the highest combat endurance soldier.

Late Major General Y Balarathnarajah VSV USP ndc was a distinguished cavalryman who served the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps from 1959 to 1992. He was the first Commander of the Armoured Brigade and held the appointment as the Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army at the time of his retirement. Mr. Brahman Balarathnarajah, son of the late Major General Y Balarathnarajah VSV USP ndc and his family members fully sponsored the competition.

Brigadier L.K.T Fernando RSP USP, the Commander, SLAC Armoured Brigade, together with Mr. Brahman Balarathnarajah graced the awarding ceremony as Chief Guests. Commanding Officers, officers and other ranks were present.