The indoor Physical Training School at Panagoda Army Cantonment on Thursday (8) cheered a massive gathering of more than 2000 Army sportsmen/women for the first time in the Army sports history after their national and international achievements were recognized and lauded during a ceremony, headed by Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army.
“In the future if you bring medals from international events such as Asian Games, etc, you will be rewarded in millions, not in thousands as of today. Similarly, such achievers at international level when returning home will not have to walk, instead they can drive their own new car, given as a gift by the Army. This exceptional bonanza of sports includes the gift of a well-equipped new house,” said the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake when addressing the gathering of Army sportsmen after their achievements, were lauded, inviting them to the main dais.
This special felicitation ceremony, a novel arrangement organized by the Directorate of Sports , led by Major General R.M.J.A Ratnayake, Director General, Directorate of Sports in line with the thinking of the Commander’s wish to see all of them under one roof, was attended by many senior officers, including Major General Chrishantha De Silva, Director General General Staff, Commanders at all island-wide Security Force Headquarters, et al. Senior officers, Brigadier B.G.J.A.W Galagamage, Director Army Sports Board.
Speaking to Chairmen of all sports committees of the Army, attending the event, the Commander said that all incentives should be made available to respective sports and new techniques and advanced training methods, should be introduced, elevating the standards of Army sports.
“All of them should produce results and reach greater heights at both national and international levels. This gathering should remember that it is the sports that offer strict discipline to the soldier. Therefore all sportsmen and Army personnel should maintain the highest levels of discipline. When sports community loses discipline, it affects the entire field of sports, something which we have experienced in the Army in the past,” the Commander told the gathering.
All championship trophies won by Army sportsmen/women during 2013-2014 first quarter in Hockey, Boxing, Football (FA Cup), Shooting and several other Defence Services, international and national level games, were symbolically delivered in a jubilant mood to the Chief Guest, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake by the achiever, flanked by respective Captains and Coaches. Cash gifts were also presented during the event.
On the directions of the Commander of the Army, separate committees are to be appointed to determine the quantum of prize money that should be awarded to international achievers in the future.
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