Sri Lankan sports shooting contingent which made Sri Lanka Army proud, having won 11 medals out of seventeen, including four golds, four silvers and nine bronze medals in the 11th IMSSU World Championship in the Czech Republic during July 12 - 26, arrived at the Army Headquarters to receive the Commander’s congratulations.
Upon their return to the island, the six-member Army team, accompanied by Brigadier Senarath Niwunhella, Chairman, Sri Lanka Army Small Arms Association, and headed by Brigadier D.S.D Welikala (Team Captain), called at the Commander’s office and exchanged views on their achievements in the international event while thanking the Commander for all the encouragement and support for their overseas tour.
Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake during the meeting with those shooters assured them of continued support and instructed Brigadier Niwunhella to submit a new project proposal for further promotion of the sport by preparing a new firing range.
The Commander congratulated each and everyone who participated in the event and extended his best wishes on their performances.
Sri Lanka Army's Sergeant B.M Piyaratne competing in both Small Bore and Big Bore categories won one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. His performance in Small Bore Rifle events was rewarded with a gold medal in the Silhouette Rifle - 'B' Division (56/80) and a silver medal in the Light Rifle- 'B' Division (60/80). He was also a member of the Army team, consisting of Corporal M.L Godakankanamge and Staff Sergeant P.K.M.M Lasantha which won the Bronze medal in Overall Small Bore Rifle shooting event (331/360). Competing in the Small Bore Rifle category, Lance Corporal A.A.D Karunatillake won the Bronze medal in Silhouette Rifle- 'B' Division (19/40).
The other Army shooter, Sergeant B.M Piyaratne who took part in both Small Bore and Big Bore categories came out with better performance in the Big Bore Rifle events, winning the Gold medal in Silhouette Rifle- B Division (25/40) and Overall Bronze medal in Hunter Rifle (30/40) events. He also won the Silver medal in Small Bore Light Rifle- 'B' Division (60/80).
Staff Sergeant P.K.M.M Lasantha of Sri Lanka Army who was a member of the Bronze medal winning Army team of the Overall Small Bore Rifle event won his individual event Bronze medal in Silhouette Rifle- 'B' Division (54/80).
Army's Corporal R.P Gunawardana bagged the silver medal of Small Bore Silhouette Rifle- B Division (54/80).
The 11th IMSSU World Championship was participated by a 15-member Sri Lankan shooting team consisting of SL Army, STF and civil shooters from several National Rifle Associations, affiliated to sport shooting clubs.
The Sri Lankan team returned to Sri Lanka on July 27 and they were warmly welcomed by the officials of the National Rifle Association and affiliated sport shooting club members at the Katunayake International Airport.
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