OUTSTANDING SPORTS ACHIEVERS FELICITATED BY THE AIR CHIEF
The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe in his capacity as the President of the Air Force Sports Council (AFSC), graced a special felicitation ceremony held this morning (29 July 2025), at Air Force Headquarters. The ceremony honoured sportsmen and women of the SLAF who exceled in various disciplines including Handball, Athletics, Kabaddi, Weightlifting, Badminton, Baseball, Beach Volleyball, Bodybuilding, Hockey, Parachuting, Soccer, Swimming, Triathlon, Water Polo, Wushu and Karate. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding performance at Defence Services, National and International sports championships. In addition, individuals who have achieved excellence at the above levels were recognized and rewarded by the President of the Air Force Sports Council.
Among the internationally recognized athletes, Aircraftman 2 Under Training Tharanga PR was commended for securing a gold medal at the Perth Track Classic in Australia with a throw of 83.27m, and a bronze medal at the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 in Bengaluru, India with a throw of 84.34m. At the Asian Athletics Championship 2025, Aircraftwoman 2 Under Training Fernando MANH contributed to winning two bronze medals in the Women’s 4x400m Relay and Mixed 4x400m Relay events.
At the 9th South Asian Karate Championship 2025 held in Sri Lanka, SLAF athletes delivered strong performances with Aircraftman 2 Under Training Brion E winning a gold medal in Individual Kata, while Corporal Dilhan WMSC earned a bronze medal in Individual Kumite 50 kg, Leading Aircraftwoman Fernando PHR secured bronze in Individual Kumite Over 68 kg, Aircraftwoman 2 Under Training Peris THD took bronze in Individual Kumite 55 kg, and Aircraftwoman 2 Under Training Shashikala UVHD contributed to winning a bronze medal in Team Kumite.
All these athletes were awarded cash prizes and commemorative plaques in recognition of their international achievements.
In addition to honouring specific individuals, the Commander acknowledged the dedication of several coaches for their invaluable contributions in upholding the prestige of the Sri Lanka Air Force in the field of sports. Special appreciation was extended to SLAF Athletics Coaches, Mr. MAT Presanna and Mr. KAR Theekshana, SLAF Handball Coach, Flight Sergeant Rathnayake RMRD, SLAF Karate Coach, Sergeant Edward RJ and SLAF Weightlifting Coach, Mr. GSN Gamage.
The event was attended by the 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.
Among the internationally recognized athletes, Aircraftman 2 Under Training Tharanga PR was commended for securing a gold medal at the Perth Track Classic in Australia with a throw of 83.27m, and a bronze medal at the Neeraj Chopra Classic 2025 in Bengaluru, India with a throw of 84.34m. At the Asian Athletics Championship 2025, Aircraftwoman 2 Under Training Fernando MANH contributed to winning two bronze medals in the Women’s 4x400m Relay and Mixed 4x400m Relay events.
At the 9th South Asian Karate Championship 2025 held in Sri Lanka, SLAF athletes delivered strong performances with Aircraftman 2 Under Training Brion E winning a gold medal in Individual Kata, while Corporal Dilhan WMSC earned a bronze medal in Individual Kumite 50 kg, Leading Aircraftwoman Fernando PHR secured bronze in Individual Kumite Over 68 kg, Aircraftwoman 2 Under Training Peris THD took bronze in Individual Kumite 55 kg, and Aircraftwoman 2 Under Training Shashikala UVHD contributed to winning a bronze medal in Team Kumite.
All these athletes were awarded cash prizes and commemorative plaques in recognition of their international achievements.
In addition to honouring specific individuals, the Commander acknowledged the dedication of several coaches for their invaluable contributions in upholding the prestige of the Sri Lanka Air Force in the field of sports. Special appreciation was extended to SLAF Athletics Coaches, Mr. MAT Presanna and Mr. KAR Theekshana, SLAF Handball Coach, Flight Sergeant Rathnayake RMRD, SLAF Karate Coach, Sergeant Edward RJ and SLAF Weightlifting Coach, Mr. GSN Gamage.
The event was attended by the 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.