GAJABA SUPERCROSS 2018 WAS A GRAND SUCCESS

The 17th edition of the Gajaba Super Cross - 2018, one of the most thrilling events in the Sri Lanka Motor Sports Calendar, patronaged by the proud Keterians, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Auto Sports Drivers Association (SLADA), was kicked off under the leadership and guidance of the Colonel of the Regiment Major General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, at Saliyapura, Gajaba Supercross Track from 0800 hours on Sunday, 19th August 2018 with the presence of a mammoth crowd of motor racing enthusiasts,distinguished invitees and guests gathered in numbersto catch the glimpse of ace drivers and riders.

Hon. Ruwan Wijewardene (MP), State Minister of Defence graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and was warmly welcomed at his arrival at the Gajaba Supercross premises, by the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General N U M M W Senanayake RWP RSP VSV USP USACGSC, together with Major General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Adjutant General at the Sri Lanka Army and the Colonel of the Regiment – Gajaba Regiment, Colonel Harendra Peiris RWP RSP USP, the Centre Commandant and Colonel Mahinda Rajapakshe RWP RSP USP, the Deputy Centre Commandant of the Gajaba Regimental Centre.

After welcoming the Chief Guest, the event commenced with an astounding band display conducted by the Gajaba Regimental Band. Adding an important feature, Hon. Minister Ruwan Wijewardene unveiled the memorial stand, dedicated to the memory of late Major General Gamini Gunasekara by the side of motocross and gravel racing tracks at the Home of Gajaba, Saliyapura, as an appreciation of his effort in pioneering the motocross and gravel racing in Sri Lanka Army and the country by introducing Fox Hill Supercross in 1993 and Gajaba Supercross in 1999. Mrs. Ramani Gunasekara, the widower of late Major General Gamini Gunasekara also was present at the occasion.

Gajaba Supercross strives the noble cause of raising funds for the enhancement of much needed infrastructure facilities at the Regimental Centre, and to improve the wellbeing of the officers and soldiers of the regiment while ensuring the welfare of the families of differently abled personnel and families of fallen war heroes.

During the event, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake donated a special hospital bed which is embedded with electric function to the Anuradhapura Teaching Hospital and a same bed to Major WMSP Wijesundara (Retd) who was wounded during the humanitarian operations. Then he also donated a wheelchair to the mother of late Sergeant Rathnayake who made the supreme sacrifice during the humanitarian operations and another wheelchair to retired Warrant Officer II Perera GVASK.

The Commander of the Army also presented some incentives and gift packs arranged by the Gajaba Seva Vanitha Branch to Medagama Maha Vidyalaya, Puwarasakulam Vidyalaya, Rathmale Thissa Maha Vidyalaya, Palugollewa Vidyalaya and Parasangaswewa Vidyalaya in the Anuradhapura District. Principles and some school children were present at the occasion to accept those donations. The President and the team of the Sri Lanka Auto Sports Drivers Association (SLADA) also presented a curtesy trophy to Major General Chargie Gallage WWV RWP RSP VSV USPUSAWC, as a token of appreciation to his dedicated service rendered for the excellence of the gravel motor racing fraternity.

Towards the end of the event the Chief Guest, Hon. Minister Ruwan Wijewardane, Secretary to the State Minster of Defence Mr. Sunil Samaraweera, the Commander of the Army Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake and the Colonel of the Regiment Maj Gen Shavendra Silva attended the prize giving for the winners.

Gajba Supercross 2018 hosted by the Softlogic Holdings PLC as the Main Sponsor and Ceat Kelani Tyres, Singer Sri Lanka PLC, TVS Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Ltd and Maliban Manufactories (Pvt) Ltd, provided financial assistance as the Co-Sponsors. There were Corner Sponsors, Event Sponsors and other Special Sponsors whowere willingly extended their generous support to make the event a grand success. Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation live broadcasted the event through Channel Eye as the Media Partner for this magnet event.