08th April 2021 22:04:19 Hours
Inter Battalion Tennis Tournament 2021 Finals organized by 18 VIR ceremonially commenced with the patronage of Colonel of the Regiment VIR, Major General Sisira Pilapitiya, on 08 April 2021 at Regimental Centre sport complex with the gracious presence of Centre Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Brigadier Nalin Bandaranayake. 12 battalions competed for the reign of Tennis on 06, 07 and 08 April 2021, following COVID-19 health guidelines by the organizers.
Members of 12 teams with their supporting staff, Regimental Sergeant Major and all regimental staffing ORs joined in cheering and encouraging the finalists.
Major Loyd Fernando RSP (Retired), a Former Second in Command of 18 VIR was a pioneer figure who initiated the game of Tennis in VIR. The debut participation by a VIR team for an Inter Regiment Tennis Tournament was taken place in 2010 and they emerged as 1st Runners-Up of that tournament. In Sri Lanka Army Inter Regiment showcase, VIR Tennis Team consecutively emerged as Champions from 2012 to 2016 and again emerged as Champions in 2018. In Defence Services Tennis tournaments VIR carried the Mantle of Champions in 2016 and 2018 and acquired a Runners-Up slot in 2021. In present, 10 players belong to VIR represents the Sri Lanka Army Tennis squad.
Grade I Staff Officers of the Regimental Centre and Commanding Officer of 18th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major Darshana Sirisena welcomed the day’s protagonist, Brigadier Nalin Bandaranayake, the Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment on his arrival and conducted him to the main dais.
This is one of the unique event annually organized by VIR Sports arena to amplify colours of the respective battalions. In this unique platform to witness reflexes, speed and agility of the soldiers and, 11 VIR emerged as the Champions by defeating 18 VIR. The Second Runner-Up slot was 6 VIR.
The day’s Chief Guest expressing his happiness over VIR tennis achievements congratulated each of them and distributed trophies and medals to the winners. Ceremonial closing of the event was marked with the closing statement by the Chief Guest and a representative officer of 18th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, expressed his oral tribute in his thanking speech to every personnel who assisted to make this event a grand success.
VIR Senior officers, Commanding officers and battalion representatives, Regimental Staff and Other Ranks attended for the awarding ceremony.
