SLAF SPORTS ACHIEVERS HONOURED AT SPECIAL FELICITATION CEREMONY
A special felicitation ceremony was held this morning (31 March 2026) at Air Force Headquarters. The Chief of Staff, Air Vice Marshal Lasitha Sumanaweera graced the event on behalf of the Commander of the Air Force and the President Air Force Sports Council, Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe. The ceremony honoured sportsmen and sportswomen of the SLAF who excelled in various disciplines including Archery, Hockey, Taekwondo, Shooting, Lifesaving, Rugby, Judo, Wrestling, Wushu and Weightlifting. These individuals have demonstrated outstanding performances at Defence Services, National and International sports championships. In addition, individuals who achieved excellence at the above levels were recognized and rewarded by the Chief of Staff.
At the Defence Services level, SLAF sportsmen and sportswomen demonstrated exceptional prowess at the 13th Defence Services Championships 2024/25. Notable victories were achieved by the Basketball Women’s team, Carrom Men’s and Women’s teams, as well as the Karate Women’s team. At the National level, several SLAF teams were commended for their outstanding performances at the National Championships 2024. Remarkable achievements were recorded by the Hockey Men’s and Women’s teams, Judo Men’s team, Lifesaving Women’s team, Taekwondo Women’s team, Rugby Men’s team, Weightlifting Women’s team, as well as the Wrestling Men’s and Women’s teams, further signifying the discipline, commitment and high standards maintained by SLAF athletes across a wide range of sporting disciplines.
At the International level, SLAF athletes continued to bring honour to the nation with commendable performances. In recognition of their outstanding achievements, Sri Lanka Air Force personnel who represented the country at the 7th Carrom World Cup 2025 held in the Maldives were awarded cash prizes and commemorative plaques. At this prestigious tournament, the Sri Lanka Men’s Team emerged as the 1st Runner-up, while the Women’s Team secured the position of 2nd Runner-up. Among those recognized for their contributions were Corporal Peries PKN and Corporal Shaheed MHM. In addition, the Aircraftwoman Dilrukshi WDN and Aircraftwoman Kavindi TGT, were also commended for their performances and were promoted to the rank of Acting Corporal in appreciation of their achievements and dedication.
Further, the Chief of Staff also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of several coaches who were instrumental in guiding national-level winning teams. Special recognition was extended to SLAF Carrom Coach, Mr. Ajith Chandrasoma, SLAF Women’s Hockey Team Coach, Mr. TMSD Abeyrathne, SLAF Judo Coach, Mr. PGCD Senarath, SLAF Rugby Head Coach, Mr. Asela Dshapriya, SLAF Rugby Assistant Coach, Mr. RP Madagedara, SLAF Taekwondo Coach, Corporal Rathnasekara MR, SLAF Wrestling Men’s Coach, Corporal Maduranga TKS, SLAF Wrestling Women’s Coach, Leading Aircraftman Sila W and SLAF Weightlifting Coach, Corporal Jayasinghe EVSK for their dedication and commitment in elevating the standards of SLAF sports.
At the Defence Services level, SLAF sportsmen and sportswomen demonstrated exceptional prowess at the 13th Defence Services Championships 2024/25. Notable victories were achieved by the Basketball Women’s team, Carrom Men’s and Women’s teams, as well as the Karate Women’s team. At the National level, several SLAF teams were commended for their outstanding performances at the National Championships 2024. Remarkable achievements were recorded by the Hockey Men’s and Women’s teams, Judo Men’s team, Lifesaving Women’s team, Taekwondo Women’s team, Rugby Men’s team, Weightlifting Women’s team, as well as the Wrestling Men’s and Women’s teams, further signifying the discipline, commitment and high standards maintained by SLAF athletes across a wide range of sporting disciplines.
At the International level, SLAF athletes continued to bring honour to the nation with commendable performances. In recognition of their outstanding achievements, Sri Lanka Air Force personnel who represented the country at the 7th Carrom World Cup 2025 held in the Maldives were awarded cash prizes and commemorative plaques. At this prestigious tournament, the Sri Lanka Men’s Team emerged as the 1st Runner-up, while the Women’s Team secured the position of 2nd Runner-up. Among those recognized for their contributions were Corporal Peries PKN and Corporal Shaheed MHM. In addition, the Aircraftwoman Dilrukshi WDN and Aircraftwoman Kavindi TGT, were also commended for their performances and were promoted to the rank of Acting Corporal in appreciation of their achievements and dedication.
Further, the Chief of Staff also acknowledged the invaluable contributions of several coaches who were instrumental in guiding national-level winning teams. Special recognition was extended to SLAF Carrom Coach, Mr. Ajith Chandrasoma, SLAF Women’s Hockey Team Coach, Mr. TMSD Abeyrathne, SLAF Judo Coach, Mr. PGCD Senarath, SLAF Rugby Head Coach, Mr. Asela Dshapriya, SLAF Rugby Assistant Coach, Mr. RP Madagedara, SLAF Taekwondo Coach, Corporal Rathnasekara MR, SLAF Wrestling Men’s Coach, Corporal Maduranga TKS, SLAF Wrestling Women’s Coach, Leading Aircraftman Sila W and SLAF Weightlifting Coach, Corporal Jayasinghe EVSK for their dedication and commitment in elevating the standards of SLAF sports.