07th November 2025 07:27:15 Hours
With the objective of fostering mutual understanding, friendship and harmony between members of the Sri Lanka Army serving in the 21 Infantry Division Area of Responsibility and civilians representing diverse religious and ethnic communities, the Wanni Commanders Challenge Trophy Soft Ball Limited Overs Cricket Tournament – 2025 was successfully conducted on the initiative of the Commander Security Forces (Wanni) Major General K M P S B Kulatunga RSP ndc psc The tournament was held under the guidance of the General Officer Commanding 21 Infantry Division Major General M W A R C Wijesuriya RSP USP ndc and the supervision of the Commander 212 Infantry Brigade Brigadier B A M P Balasuriya RSP.
A total of 24 teams participated in this year’s competition comprising 10 Army teams representing troops of the 21 Infantry Division and 14 civilian teams representing local communities. The inclusion of civilian teams representing varied ethnic and religious backgrounds symbolised unity and cooperation throughout the tournament.
The preliminary rounds were conducted across the respective brigade areas of the 211, 212 and 213 Infantry Brigades with each brigade organising and managing its fixtures. One Army team and one civilian team from each brigade area qualified for the semi-finals resulting in three Army teams and three civilian teams advancing to the penultimate stage. The semi-final matches were held on 31 October and 02 November 2025 at the 21 Infantry Division playground. Following competitive encounters, one Army team and one civilian team secured their places in the grand final.
The final match contested between the 9th Gajaba Regiment (9 GR) and the Poonewa “Boundary Breakers”took place on 05 November 2025 at the 4th Sri Lanka Corps of Signals playground in Anuradhapura under the patronage of the Commander Security Forces (Wanni). After an exciting and closely fought encounter the 9th Gajaba Regiment emerged as Champions while the Poonewa “Boundary Breakers” secured the Runners-up position.
During the awards ceremony that followed:
The Champion Team (9 GR) received the Challenge Trophy a cash award, gold medals and certificates presented by the Commander Security Forces (Wanni).
The Runners-up (Poonewa “Boundary Breakers”) received the Runner-up Trophy a cash award silver medals and certificates.
Special individual performances were recognised as follows:
Man of the Match: S/483931 L/Cpl Jayawardana J S C – 9 GR
Best Batsman of the Tournament: Mohamed Ajjuwath – Poonewa “Boundary Breakers”
Best Bowler of the Tournament: S/473980 Sgt Dhanapala D M S – 9 GR
Best Player of the Tournament: S/483931 L/Cpl Jayawardana J S C – 9 GR
The final match and awards ceremony were attended by the General Officers Commanding of the 21, 54 and 59 Infantry Divisions along with Brigadier (GS), Brigadier (AQ), Brigadier (Coord) (Volunteer), Commanders of the 211 and 212 Infantry Brigades, senior and junior officers other ranks and a large gathering of enthusiastic civilian spectators.
