PACES COMPETITION 2024: 56 INFANTRY DIVISION SETS NEW STANDARDS IN COMBAT AND AGILITY

The 56 Infantry Division successfully wrapped up the Physical Agility Combat Efficiency System (PACES) Competition 2024 at SFHQ(W) AOR, concluding with a closing ceremony at the Ampakamam Field Firing Range on 02 September 2024 with the direction of the Major General J P C Peiris RWP RSP ndc Commander Security Force (Wanni), under the leadership of Major General S Kasturimudali RSP ndc psc General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 56 Infantry Division, and the supervision of the Brigade Commander of the 561 Infantry Brigade, the competition brought together nine teams representing the 56 Infantry Division, 561, 562, 563 Brigades, and five Battalions including 10 Sri Lanka Light Infantry, 7 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, 16 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment, 11 Gemunu Watch and 12 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.

The event unfolded over two rigorous phases, with the Physical Agility Test held at the 56 Infantry Division from 27 to 29 August 2024, followed by the Combat Efficiency Test at Ampakamam Field Firing Range on 1 and 2 September 2024. The competition aimed to identify the top teams and individuals, celebrating both champions and runners-up, along with the fittest officer and soldier.

Emerging as the overall best PACES team, 12th Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment displayed unmatched physical and combat prowess, while the 11th Battalion the Gemunu Watch secured second place with a commendable performance. Among individuals, (O/11547) 2/ Lt DS Egodagedara - 12 (V) Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment was named the "Fittest of the Fit" officer, and (S/434600) L/Cpl Rambukwella DGKTS – 11 Gemunu Watch earned the same distinction among other ranks.

The closing ceremony, attended by Deputy General Officer Commanding of 56 Infantry Division Brigadier WSV Fernando USP, ndc, IG and Brigade Commanders of 561 Infantry Brigade Brigadier BD Fernando USP, Hdmc ,psc , Senior Officers, Officers and other rankers of 56 Infantry Division AOR and moment of pride as Major General S Kasturimudali RSP ndc psc awarded trophies, medals, and merit certificates to the victors. The PACES Competition 2024 not only celebrated individual and team excellence but also reinforced the physical and combat readiness essential for the 56 Infantry Division, setting a high benchmark for future military competitions.