Pomp, pageantry, glitz and glamour hail the Achievers
The Sri Lanka Army's ‘Colours Night 2016’ recognising and honouring the outstanding achievements of the Army's sportsmen and women, was held at the Nelum Pokuna auditorium on Friday (27) evening, in the presence of distinguished invitees including the Minister of Sports, Defence Secretary, Secretary to State Ministry of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and Commanders of the Army, Navy and Air Force.
Army Sportsmen and Sportswomen of 100 achievers who have won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in 34 Sports, at formation, inter-Regiment, Regimental, Defence Services, National and International levels in 2015 and 2016, received laurels and were felicitated at the grand and colourful ceremony, while the rest is to be distributed later at a Regimental ‘Colours Night’.
Best Para Sportsman, Best Sportsman and Best Sportswoman for 2015 and 2016 were presented laurels and cash awards of Rs 1 million each, by Chief Guest- Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera.
Subsequently, 2 athletes, Susanthika Jayasinghe and Warrant Officer II, U.P. Pradeep Sanjaya were presented with laurels and cash awards of Rs 500,000 each, in recognition of their outstanding performances in Athletics.
Sri Lanka Cricketer, W/O II S. Prasanna and Cpl M.P, Pathirana were Best Sportsman for 2016 and 2015 respectively, while Pvt. I.E. Senanayake and Cpl N.G. Rajasekera were Best Sportswoman for 2016 and 2015 respectively. Sgt H.M.D.P. Herath and Sgt Y.P.A.P. Jayalath were awarded Colours for their multiple skills in Para Sports events, both at home and abroad.
Colours were awarded in Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Billiards & Snooker, Carrom, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Elle, Gymnastics, Netball, Para Games, Handball, Hockey, Judo, Kabadi, Karate, Motor Sports, Weightlifting, PowerLifting and Bodybuilding, Rowing, Shooting, Football, Squash, Swimming & Water Polo, Parachuting, Rugby, Tennis, Table Tennis, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Wushu and Volleyball.
Secretary to Ministry of Defence, Secretary to State Ministry of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and the Army Chief also awarded Colours.
Lighting of the traditional oil lamp, observance of two minutes silence in honour of fallen War Heroes, recital of the Army song, followed by eye-catching entertaining cultural and dancing feats, were the highlights of an evening of pomp and pageantry.
Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera and the Army Chief posed for a group photograph with the best achievers. Director General of Sports, Sports Ministry officials, Senior Army Officers and their spouses, Retired Senior Officers, Laureates' next-ofkin, and a large gathering of distinguished invitees graced the occasion.