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 (26 March 2024), at Air Force Headquarters. The ceremony honoured sportsmen and women of the SLAF who exceled in various disciplines including Water polo, Boxing, Weightlifting, Cricket, Life Saving, Rowing, Cycling, Volleyball, Hockey, Karate, Taekwondo, Carrom and Shooting. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding performance at both national and international sports championships. In addition, individuals who have achieved excellence at the national and international levels were recognized and rewarded by the President of the Air Force Sports Council.

Furthermore, the Commander of the Air Force promoted Corporal Nimali WKLA, to the rank of Actg. Sergeant in recognition of her remarkable achievement in securing a Silver medal at the 19th World Military Games held in China.

In addition to honouring specific individuals, the Commander acknowledged the dedication of SLAF Boxing Coach, Mr. SPCS Jayathilake, SLAF Cricket Women’s Coach, Corporal Bandara HMCM, SLAF Hockey Defence Services Men’s team Coach, Mr. WSMD Botheju, SLAF Hockey Defence Services  Women’s team Coach, Mr. N Paraneedaran, SLAF Karate Coach, Sergeant Edward RJ, SLAF Taekwondo Coach, Corporal Rathnasekara MR, SLAF Volleyball Coach, Mr. Samansiri Senavirathna, SLAF Water polo Coach, Mr. Poorna Kankanige, SLAF Weightlifting Coach, Mr. GCN Gamage for their contributions in upholding the prestige of the SLAF in the realm 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.