OUTSTANDING SPORTS ACHIEVERS FELICITATED BY THE AIR CHIEF
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa in his capacity as the President of the Air Force Sports Council (AFSC), graced a special felicitation ceremony held this morning (28 November 2024), at Air Force Headquarters. The ceremony honoured sportsmen and women of the SLAF who exceled in various disciplines including Taekwondo, Cricket, Kayaking, Weightlifting, Wushu, Bodybuilding, Karate, Athletics, Judo, Swimming, Carrom, Rugby and Basketball.
In addition to the recognition of these exceptional sports achievements, approximately worth of Rs. 3 million in cash rewards were awarded to the sports achievers for their remarkable performances on the national and international stages. The Commander in his capacity as the President Air Force Sports Council, has also granted promotions for several sports personnel in recognition of exemplary performances in international sports competitions who have brought honour to the nation and the SLAF through their achievements.
Leading Aircraftman Perera RHA, who earned a Bronze Medal at the 6th Asian Carrom Championship and Aircraftman Pieris PKN, who secured a Silver Medal at the same event, have been promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Further, Corporal Kathriarachige DAK, a member of the Sri Lanka team that emerged as Champions at the Women’s T20 Cricket Asian Cup – Sri Lanka, has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant for her significant contribution to the team's success.
Moreover, Aircraftman Tharanga PR, Aircraftman 2 Under Training Shaheed MHM, Aircraftwoman Pieris MHM and Aircraftwoman Kavindi TGT have been recognized for their exceptional achievements in sports. Tharanga secured a Gold Medal in the Javelin Throw at the Asian Throwing Championship 2024 in Korea, while Shaheed earned a Silver Medal in the Men's Team event and a Bronze Medal in the Men's Doubles event at the 6th Carrom World Cup in the USA. Pieris and Kavindi excelled at both the 6th Carrom World Cup in the USA and the 6th Asian Carrom Championship 2024 in the Maldives, winning Silver and Bronze Medals. In recognition of their outstanding performances, they will be promoted to the rank of Acting Corporal upon successful completion of their required basic training.
In addition to honouring specific individuals, the Commander acknowledged the dedication of SLAF Kayaking Coach, Sergeant Ganathissa WKS, SLAF Taekwondo Coach, Corporal Rathnasekara MR and SLAF Carrom Coach, Mr. Ajith Chandrasoma for their contributions in upholding the prestige of the SLAF in the field of sports.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, as well as Chairmen, Secretaries, Managers and a diverse group of players representing various SLAF Sports Disciplines.
In addition to the recognition of these exceptional sports achievements, approximately worth of Rs. 3 million in cash rewards were awarded to the sports achievers for their remarkable performances on the national and international stages. The Commander in his capacity as the President Air Force Sports Council, has also granted promotions for several sports personnel in recognition of exemplary performances in international sports competitions who have brought honour to the nation and the SLAF through their achievements.
Leading Aircraftman Perera RHA, who earned a Bronze Medal at the 6th Asian Carrom Championship and Aircraftman Pieris PKN, who secured a Silver Medal at the same event, have been promoted to the rank of Corporal.
Further, Corporal Kathriarachige DAK, a member of the Sri Lanka team that emerged as Champions at the Women’s T20 Cricket Asian Cup – Sri Lanka, has been promoted to the rank of Sergeant for her significant contribution to the team's success.
Moreover, Aircraftman Tharanga PR, Aircraftman 2 Under Training Shaheed MHM, Aircraftwoman Pieris MHM and Aircraftwoman Kavindi TGT have been recognized for their exceptional achievements in sports. Tharanga secured a Gold Medal in the Javelin Throw at the Asian Throwing Championship 2024 in Korea, while Shaheed earned a Silver Medal in the Men's Team event and a Bronze Medal in the Men's Doubles event at the 6th Carrom World Cup in the USA. Pieris and Kavindi excelled at both the 6th Carrom World Cup in the USA and the 6th Asian Carrom Championship 2024 in the Maldives, winning Silver and Bronze Medals. In recognition of their outstanding performances, they will be promoted to the rank of Acting Corporal upon successful completion of their required basic training.
In addition to honouring specific individuals, the Commander acknowledged the dedication of SLAF Kayaking Coach, Sergeant Ganathissa WKS, SLAF Taekwondo Coach, Corporal Rathnasekara MR and SLAF Carrom Coach, Mr. Ajith Chandrasoma for their contributions in upholding the prestige of the SLAF in the field of sports.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, as well as Chairmen, Secretaries, Managers and a diverse group of players representing various SLAF Sports Disciplines.
