The much-awaited and most glittering award ceremony in the Army calendar, the 'Army Colours Night - 2013' with its theme 'Reconciliation Through Sports' presented Colours and laurels to those who outshone in the field of Army sports on Friday (24) evening at the BMICH to a packed audience of distinguished invitees, retired senior officers, Army officers, relatives of laureates, hundreds of sportsmen/women and other invitees.
Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence and Urban Development whose inspirational guidance has elevated tri-services to new heights at the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, inspired the magnificent spectacle by his presence as the Chief Guest at the BMICH. On arrival Mr Rajapaksa was received by the Commander of the Army.
Lighting of the traditional oil lamp, observance of one-minute silence to honour the memory of fallen War Heroes and recital of the Army Song preceded the welcome speech, made by Major General Janaka Ratnayake, Director General, Sports.
The 'Army Colours Night,' an annual ceremony in the Army calendar recognizes outstanding sport achievements of skilled sportsmen and women of all Regiments who have done exceptionally well in the year under review at Army, Regiment, Defence Services, National and International levels, bringing credit to both the organization and the country at large. Through this event, their achievements in the year 2013 are appreciated by felicitating them and rewarding them.
A total of 739 under 35 athletic events are awarded and their achievements recognized during this colourful event. Of them, two special cash rewards of Rs 1 million were awarded to Lance Corporal D.A Inoka (marathon events) and Warrant Officer 1 (retd) Pushpamalee Ramanayake (firing) of Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps.
Friday’s event saw presentation of another Rs 1 m. Special Cash Award to Staff Sergeant U. P Pradeep Sanjaya of Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment who excelled in Para Sports (400 m) who has been adjudged the Best of the Best in Year 2013. Warrant Officer 1 B.L Nadeeka Lakmalee became the Best Sportswoman in the Year (Javelin) while Lance Corporal W.L Gunasekara who brought laurels home in Wushu received accolades as the Best Sportsman of the Year.
Due to large numbers recipients, only a selected section was awarded Colours at the BMICH. Remainder is to be given away at Regimental levels after Friday’s main ceremony.
Best Sportsman of Para Sports, Staff Sergeant U. P Pradeep Sanjaya received a thundering ovation as he stepped on to the stage to receive his laurels.
Meticulously designed and colourfully choreographed 'Army Colours Night - 2013' was held for the third time after culmination of the brutal war against terrorism in the year 2009. However, the Army Colours Nights as a customary feature had earlier been staged intermittently during 1983-2009.
Army Sportsmen/women excelled in Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Para Archery, Para Power Lifting, Para Athletics, Wheelchair Marathon, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Kabadi, Karate, Motor Sports, Weight Lifting, Power Lifting, Rugby, Rowing, Shooting, Soccer, Swimming, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Wushu and Volleyball also received Army Colours during the ceremony.
The day's event, coloured by enthralling entertaining features of the highest standards with the participation of Army cultural troupes and other artistes, provided amusement to the chain of items in the agenda.
Mrs Ioma Rajapaksa, President, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Seva Vanitha Unit, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Commander of the Navy, Mrs Damayanthi Ratnayake, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch, Chief of Staff, Principal Staff Officers senior officers, spouses of Army Officers and a large gathering witnessed the day's proceedings.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake in his brief address to the occasion, highlighted the importance of the event and thanked the organizers for their hard work that made it to be a roaring success.
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