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To be an effective instrument to the Government Endeavour to cultivate national harmony in Jaffna Peninsula through uplifting the physical quality of life and spiritual value of the people.
To be an effective instrument to the Government Endeavour to cultivate national harmony in Jaffna Peninsula through uplifting the physical quality of life and spiritual value of the people.
16th May 2023 00:09:50 Hours
The picturesque Thalayadi beach witnessed an exciting beach volleyball tournament organized by the 55 Infantry Division, bringing immense joy to the local community. The Sri Lanka Army took a proactive step to introduce beach volleyball to the youth of the Jaffna Peninsula, with the aim of empowering them and improving their way of life. The programme spanned six months and consisted of four distinct segments. It began with the introduction of the sport to local schools and sports organizations, followed by training sessions conducted by Army Beach Volleyball coaches. An inter-school tournament was then held to identify talented students for club participation. The initiative aimed to nurture young athletes and pave their way to national-level competitions.
The youth of the Vadamarachchi (East) region were introduced to Beach Volleyball for the first time with the goal of helping them reach the highest levels of competition at the national level. Brigadier Saman Perera under the strategic direction of General Officer Commanding 55 Division Major General Prasanna Gunaratne has taken over command of the 553 Infantry Brigade, continuing the work of the former Brigade Commander, Colonel JanakPremathilake.
On May 14, 2023, the event reached its climax at Thalayadi beach, with two teams from Ampanand Aliyawalai making it to the finals out of 22 participating teams. The team from Ampan, Pingpong Sports Club emerged victorious after three rounds of intense play. The crowd was treated to two exhibition matches between men's and women's beach volleyball teams from the Sri Lanka Army, adding to the excitement of the finals.
Major General Swarna Bothota, Commander Security Forces Jaffna, graced the occasion as the chief guest, and numerous local sports fans and military officials were in attendance, including the General Officers Commanding of 51, 52, 55, and 56 Infantry Divisions, the Deputy Commander of the Northern Naval Area, Senior DIG Jaffna, Commander Forward Maintenance Area Jaffna, SSP Kilinochchi Division, Divisional Secretary Maruthankerny, Provincial Education Director North, District Governor Lions Club Yapahuwa and other distinguished guests. The event received support from well-wishers and donors, contributing to its success. It is considered a significant triumph, and the initiative will continue until it achieves its ultimate goal of nurturing talented beach volleyball players at the national level.
