SLAF INAUGURATES EAGLES’ CITADEL GOLF COURSE AND REOPENS SIGIRIYA RALLY CROSS TRACK IN GRAND CEREMONY
1:48pm on Thursday 13th June 2024
The SLAF hosted a landmark event today (13 June 2024), marking the commencement of the Eagles’ Citadel Golf Course at SLAF Station Sigiriya. The First Sod-Cutting Ceremony was graced by the State Minister of Defence, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon and attended by the host, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa.
The Eagles’ Citadel Sigiriya is envisioned as more than just a sporting venue. It symbolizes a commitment to promoting recreational opportunities, boosting community spirit and enhancing the natural beauty of the Heart of Sigiriya Greens. The golf course aims to provide an enjoyable experience for golf enthusiasts and provides a green space for people to connect with nature, relax and unwind.
Spanning approximately 150 acres and featuring an 18-hole course over 6.5 kilometres, Eagles’ Citadel Sigiriya is set to be the sixth international standard golf course in Sri Lanka and the fifth under the Sri Lanka Air Force. Noteworthy features include the country’s first island tee and its second island green, distinguishing it from other courses nationwide. Future plans for the golf course included the construction of a Golf Club House, Eco Lodge accommodation facilities, buggy cart services, a golf pro shop, on-course refreshments and provisions for caddies and ball boys.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, addressed the gathering, offering inspiring words that highlighted the project’s significance. Following his speech, a memento was presented to him by Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, symbolizing gratitude for his support and presence. Subsequently, the Commanding Officer SLAF Station Sigiriya, Group Captain Viranga Premawardana, presented a memento to the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the project.
Following the ceremony proceedings, the attendees were treated to a thrilling motocross bike display by the SLAF Motor Racing Pool, showcasing exceptional skills and daring stunts. This display highlighted the talents of the Air Force riders and provided an exhilarating highlight to the day's events.
The event also included an announcement regarding the reopening of the Sigiriya Rally Cross racing track. Initially launched in 2009 under the visionary leadership of former Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonathilake, the track saw its inaugural race in 2012 and hosted several successful events until 2019. With the guidance of Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and the support of the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Sigiriya, the track has now reopened for training, with plans to resume racing events soon.
The Eagles’ Citadel Sigiriya is envisioned as more than just a sporting venue. It symbolizes a commitment to promoting recreational opportunities, boosting community spirit and enhancing the natural beauty of the Heart of Sigiriya Greens. The golf course aims to provide an enjoyable experience for golf enthusiasts and provides a green space for people to connect with nature, relax and unwind.
Spanning approximately 150 acres and featuring an 18-hole course over 6.5 kilometres, Eagles’ Citadel Sigiriya is set to be the sixth international standard golf course in Sri Lanka and the fifth under the Sri Lanka Air Force. Noteworthy features include the country’s first island tee and its second island green, distinguishing it from other courses nationwide. Future plans for the golf course included the construction of a Golf Club House, Eco Lodge accommodation facilities, buggy cart services, a golf pro shop, on-course refreshments and provisions for caddies and ball boys.
The Chief Guest, Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, addressed the gathering, offering inspiring words that highlighted the project’s significance. Following his speech, a memento was presented to him by Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, symbolizing gratitude for his support and presence. Subsequently, the Commanding Officer SLAF Station Sigiriya, Group Captain Viranga Premawardana, presented a memento to the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, in recognition of his leadership and dedication to the project.
Following the ceremony proceedings, the attendees were treated to a thrilling motocross bike display by the SLAF Motor Racing Pool, showcasing exceptional skills and daring stunts. This display highlighted the talents of the Air Force riders and provided an exhilarating highlight to the day's events.
The event also included an announcement regarding the reopening of the Sigiriya Rally Cross racing track. Initially launched in 2009 under the visionary leadership of former Commander of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Roshan Goonathilake, the track saw its inaugural race in 2012 and hosted several successful events until 2019. With the guidance of Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and the support of the Commanding Officer of SLAF Station Sigiriya, the track has now reopened for training, with plans to resume racing events soon.
