SAPPERS RECEIVES FACELIFT WITH NEW BILLIARDS AND SNOOKER COMPLEX

Regimental Headquarters of the Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers at Panagoda on 20 November 2020 laid a red carpet and awarded military honours to Major General Jagath Gunawardena, the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, the Colonel Commandant Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers and who is also the President of the Sri Lanka Army Sports Board when he turned up there to inaugurate Sappers, fully-equipped new billiards and snooker complex.

The day’s opening ceremony, adhering to strict health guidelines, got underway soon after the arrival of the day’s Chief Guest, Chief of Staff of the Army, who was greeted to a drive-pass Guard Turnout, presented by Sapper troops at the entrance to the Regimental Centre and Brigadier Mangala Mayadunna, the Centre Commandant warmly received the Chief Guest.

Unveiling of the special plaque and cutting a symbolic ribbon, the day’s Chief Guest then declared opened the new billiards and snooker complex and initiated the first match by setting stage ready for an exhibition match to warm its tables in the presence of the Chief Guest and other invitees.

The History of billiards is long and very rich. The game has been played by kings and commoners, presidents, mental patients, ladies, gentlemen, and hustlers alike. It evolved from a lawn game similar to the croquet played some-time during the 15th century in Northern Europe and probably in France. Play moved indoors to a wooden table with green cloth to simulate grass, and a simple border was placed around the edges. The balls were shoved, rather than struck, with wooden sticks called "maces." The term "billiard" is derived from French, either from the word "billart", one of the wooden sticks, or "bille", a ball.

The Corps of Sri Lanka Engineers has produced a large sum of billiards and snooker sportsmen in all levels such as National level coachers, National players and Army team players etc. Major General Nihal Amarasekara – the Chief Field Engineer, Major General Nishantha Herath – the Director General Training and the President of Sri Lanka Army Billiards and Snooker Committee, Major General Chandana Wijeyasundera – the General Officer Commanding Engineer Division, Senior Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks were associated with the occasion.