SRI LANKA ARMY VOLUNTEER FORCE LAUNCHED AN INTER - BRANCH TAPE BALL CRICKET TOURNAMENT

As one of the conceptual initiatives of Major General MK Jayawardena RSP VSV USP ndu, the Commandant of Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF), an Inter-Brach Tape Ball Tournament was launched in order to curtail the monotony of the serving members of the SLAVF and also with the view of introducing this sport as this is the first time that such a Tape Ball Cricket tournament has been organized in the Sri Lanka Army. The inaugural Cricket Tournament was commenced on 2nd May 2024 at Rendezvous Grounds, HQ SLAVF, Seethawaka.

There were 9 teams, representing all the branches of HQ SLAVF played in great enthusiasm and team spirit. Each team was a combination of Officers and Other Ranks where the representation of at least one female cricketer was a must. This tournament was administered as per the Cricket Rules guided by the Cricket Committee, Sri Lanka Army Directorate of Sports.

The Tape Ball Cricket which was originated in Karachi, Pakistan in the 1960s where proper equipment, pitches and grounds are a luxury. This sport serves as a launch pad to National and International recognition for sportsmen and sportswomen, and acts as a platform of recognizing skills for team games that crowns their sportsmanship. The yield of this event transcends beyond the SLAVF and reaches out to the Sri Lanka Army and the nation.

After 8 knock-out matches, the Final match was between the Team - General Staff Branch and the Team – Administrative Branch on 9th May 2024. The Team – General Staff Branch won the toss and decided to bat first. They scored 73 runs by 3 wickets in 10 overs. In reply, the Team - Administrative Branch could score only 52 in 10 overs,having 8 wickets down.

The Champion Ship was won by the General Staff Branch and the Administrative Branch became the Runners Up. Lance Corporal Yaparathna YMPGK SLNG and Lance Corporal Ranasinghe SLLI form General Staff Branch were titled as the Man Of the Match and the Man Of the Tournament respectively.

Major General MK Jayawardena RSP VSV USP ndu - the Commandant graced the final day of the tournament along with Brigadier WGP Sisira Kumara RSP - the Inspector Of Training and who is also overlooking the duties as the Deputy Commandant, Brigadier BMRJ Bandara - Brigadier Administration and other Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks and the Civil Staff.