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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Volunteer Force Athletic Meet Begins

Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) Inter Regiment Athletic Meet 2010, a major event in the Army sports calendar was inaugurated this morning (27) by SLAVF Commandant Major General D.R.A.B Jayathilake at Sugathadasa Stadium. 

Around 800 participants representing 111 Volunteer Battalions, including 5 women teams are expected to compete for medals during this meet.

Major General Jayathilake was received on arrival at the stadium by Major General A. C. Obeysekara, SLAVF Deputy Commandant. Participants attired in regimental colours and patterns marched along the track and lined up in front of the main stage before the Chief Guest, along with the Deputy Commandant who walked up to the flag posts and  afterwards hoisted flags. Major General Jayathilaka hoisted the National flag while Major General A. C. Obeysekara, Brigadier P. J. A. Weerasinghe and Brigadier N. D. Wanniarachchi hoisted the Army flag, SLAVF flag and Sri Lanka Army Sports Board flag respectively.

Javelin throwing Champion and the member of Sri Lanka’s 2008 Olympic contingent to China, Nadeeka Lakmalee, Staff Sergeant, in Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps and the South Asian medalist, Rohitha Pushpa Kumara, Sergeant in Sri Lanka Artillery lit the Olympic lamp upholding the traditional norms of the game.

The climax of the event was the official declaration of the opening of the meet by the Chief Guest that followed the oath of the competitors and the official declaration to conduct the meet adhering to the rules and regulations with the spirits of the game.

The SLAVF Athletic Meet 2010 will continue till 29th at Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo. SLAVF Athletic Meet will end on 29th July with a grand ceremony, graced by the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.