CIVIL FOOTBALL CLUBS JOIN ARMY- ORGANIZED 'EASTERN COMMANDER CHAMPIONS TROPHY'

'Eastern Commander Champions Trophy', the inter-league football tournament organized by the Security Force Headquarters (East) concluded at the Weber Stadium, Batticaloa on Sunday 31 March 2019 inculcating hopes for a new breed of budding footballers of high standards from the Eastern Province who would shine at national and international levels in the future. Ampara and Batticaloa football leagues entered the final fray in the presence of Lieutenant General N U M M W Senanayake RWP RSP VSV USP USACGSC, the Commander of the Army and a large gathering of football fans from all cultures and ethnicities. However, footballers of Batticaloa claimed the trophy, beating the rivals by 6 - 0 goals.

The tournament, organized with the guidance of Major General K P A Jayasekera WWV RSP USP ndc psc, was an effort to recapture the old glamour and glitter of football in the Eastern Province while promoting understanding and reconciliation among the communities in the region. It was a golden opportunity for talented football players to exhibit their talents and sheer brilliance bringing accolades to the motherland. ‘Eastern Commander Champions Trophy’, commenced on 10 March 2019 was contested by 09 leagues and a total of 08 matches were conducted in knockout system under the Football Federation's rules and regulations.

Trophies and certificates for the winners and runners-up were given away by the Commander of the Army as the day’s Chief Guest. In addition, the winning team, Batticaloa Football League award a cash prize of Rs.75000.00, The Best Player and the Best Goalkeeper were received their awards by Major General K P A Jayasekera WWV RSP USP ndc psc. the award of the Best player of the tournament and a cash prize of Rs.10000.00 was award to by Darolis Barthelod Meanwhile, P Rubaraj was adjudged as the Best Goalkeeper and a cash prize of Rs.10000.00.

The Runners-up, Ampara Football League received a cash prize of Rs. 50000.00, Rs. 30000.00 Was awarded for the Trinco - Kinniya Football League who won the third place.

The Religious Dignitaries of the Eastern Province, Government Officials, Major General Mahinda Mudalige - General Officer Commanding 24 Division, Major General Nevil Weerasinghe - General Officer Commanding 22 Division, Major General Kapila Udalupola - General Office Commanding 23 Division, Brigade Commanders, Staff Officers, Commanding Officers, Senior Officers of the Sister Services and the Police, Officers, Other Ranks and a large gathering of football loving fans from all community witnessed the match.