Published on - 4/18/2008
STAFF SERGEANT E.M. Senanayake of Sri Lanka Army's Sinha Regiment is to create history, as the first-ever Shooter to have entered the forthcoming Olympic Games in Beijing, China with three other national-level competitors.
He and his team became qualified for this rare and distinguished occasion as a direct result of his exceptional talents, displayed in Kuwait during the recent 11th Asian Shooting Tournament in 2007 where he excelled in free-style (open) Pistol Shooting event that has been considered, as one of the toughest and challenging features in the sphere of shooting.
Staff Sergeant Edirisinghe Mudiyanselage Senanayake, who emerged victorious in National Air Rifle and open Pistol Shooting events in Kuwait breaking several records, is to compete in the same events during Beijing Olympics in August this year.
Staff Sergeant Senanayake who has brought fame and reputation to the country and the Army during several international tournaments, has equally bagged many other victories at national levels between 1999-2007.
His shooting team once again won the Silver during SAF Games in 1998 in Kathmandu, Nepal. In 2004, he carried away the Bronze medal during the 9th SAF Games in Islamabad, Pakistan. His colours were again shown in 2006 when the SAF Games in 2004 were held in Sri Lanka. The special feature, quite visible in his career right throughout is his collective mindfulness and dedication for realization of his goals in Shooting. The SAF Games in 2006 gave him three Silvers and one Bronze medal after his team competed open Pistol Shooting, Air Rifle Shooting and Centre Firing events.
He secured the National Pistol Firing Championship in 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 in Open Pistol Firing Championship and Air Rifle Shooting, bringing credit to the Army and setting new records in the sports arena.
Edirisinghe Mudiyanselage Senanayake was born in Handaganawa, Randenigala in Mahiyangana on 17th February 1970 and received his education from Handaganawa and Morayaya schools.
He joined the Army on 23rd March 1990 and underwent training at the Minneriya Infantry Training Centre. On completion of his basic training, he joined the Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment on 6th June 1990.
His remarkable and outstanding firing skills, well demonstrated particularly during almost all military operations in northern and eastern war theatres in the recent past, qualified him to receive further training at Diyathalawa Marksmen and Sniper Training School in September 1997. Likewise, his senior officers were full of praise for him owing to his marksmanship and other contributions, made to the warfare in Jaffna, Elephant-Pass, Welioya and Vavuniya areas.
He was absorbed into the National Firing Team thanks to efforts taken by the veteran Shooter and Firing Coach Lieutenant Colonel D.B. Rajasinghe. His extensive training sessions were amply supported and conducted largely by Brigadier K.W. Edima, Colonel B.P. Kularathne and Lieutenant Colonel D.B. Rajasinghe who finally converted this marksman to be an excellent product of international fame.
The whole Army appreciates his talents and awaits the day he brings credit home after showing his colours in Beijing Olympics.
