Published on - 11/9/2004
A large gathering of volleyball fans, gathered at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on Monday (8) afternoon witnessed the final encounters in the Inter Regiment Volleyball Tournament, one of the most thrilling sports events in the Army.
Two wining teams from A Division and two from Super League locked horns at the finals for the 2004 Championship. Super League's Sri Lanka Army Service Corps for the third unbroken year, after a tough fight won the day. The tournament was conducted among four divisions, namely A-Division, B-Division, Super League and Women's Division.
Heats for all four divisions were held at the Panagoda Army Cantonment from 23 to 31 October to select the teams for final matches prior to the finals. Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police fought against the Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) had the day's win 4-3 after a tough resistance in the A division making the SLLI first runner up in the encounter. In the semi-finals, Sri Lanka Signal Corps had secured the third place out of 11 competed Regiments.
Sri Lanka National Guards emerged the Champions in the B division. Second and third places went to the Gemunu Watch and the Rifle Corps respectively.
The Sri Lanka Army Women\'s Corps, Second battalion (Volunteer) recorded the victory in volleyball (female category). Third and fourth battalions respectively became the second and third.
Special awards, Corporal Chinthaka Disanayake of SLASC - best player in the Super League division. Corporal M D C S Chandrasiri of SLCMP - best player in A division
Lance Corporal A Jayathilaka of SLNG - best player in the B division Private J H S M Perera - best player in the women's division
Commander of the Army Lt. Gen S. H. S Kottegoda, President of the Sri Lanka Army Volleyball Federation, Major General W. B Peiris and a host of senior Officers attended the occasion.
Lt General S. H. S Kottegoda, as Chief Guest, during his speech on the occasion stressed that cease-fire agreement has offered a golden opportunity for military personnel to improve their sports skills and engage in sports activities. The Commander also expressed his satisfaction for huge participation by many Regiments in the tournament.
Students of the Athrugiriya-Oruwala Junior Vidyalaya assisted the players to pick up balls and clean the court right throughout the tournament, which was acknowledged with appreciation by tournament organizers.
Those who exhibited special skills during the game received awards from the Commander of the Army. Major General W. B. Peiris too joined in awarding trophies and certificates to the winners. Vote of thanks was delivered by Maj Gen Basil Pieris at the conclusion.
