MAJOR GENERAL Y BALARATHNARAJAH VSV USP ndc COMBAT ENDURANCE TRAINING COMPETITION - 2023 SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AT THE ARMOURED CORPS TRAINING CENTRE, ANURADHAPURA

As an initiative given by the Colonel Commandant of Sri Lanka Armoured Corps, Major General Y Balarathnarajah VSV USP ndc Combat Endurance Training Competition - 2023, organised by the Armoured Corps Training Centre, held from November 17 to 19 at the battle obstacle belt at the Armoured Corps Training Centre, Anuradhapura. The aim of this competition is to enhance fitness, endurance, self-confidence and team spirit for soldiers in the Armoured Corps.

Late Major General Y Balarathnarajah VSV USP ndc was a distinguished cavalryman who served the Sri Lanka Armoured Corps from 1959 to 1992. He was the first Commander of Armoured Brigade and held the appointment as the Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Army at the time of his retirement. Mr. Brahman Balarathnarajah, son of the late Major General Y Balarathnarajah VSV USP ndc and his family members fully sponsored this competition.

This was conducted for the first time and it is planned to conduct as an annual event hereafter. The competition is designed to run 5 km and then cross 20 battle obstacles, in full battle order, within 64 minutes. Six teams participated, representing the six units in the competition. Each team comprises 20 soldiers, representing CO/2IC,OC,Tp Ldr and RSM/TSM as key appointments and all ranks in the unit line.

4th Armoured Regiment team emerged as the champion team and received the Major General Y Balarathnarajah Challenge Trophy 2023 and Rs. 50,000.00 worth cheque. 5th Reconnaissance Regiment team became the runner-up and received a trophy and Rs. 30,000.00 cheque. 1st Reconnaissance Regiment team became the 2nd runner-up team in the competition and received a trophy and Rs 20,000.00 worth cheque. S/111491 L/Cpl Thilakarathne P B A of 4th Armoured Regiment became the highest combat endurance soldier.

Mr. Brahman Balarathnarajah and Brigadier L K T Fernando RSP USP, the Commander, Armoured Brigade graced the awarding ceremony as the chief guests. Commanding Officers, officers and other ranks were present during the occasion.