VIR INTER BATTALION ATHLETIC MEET KICKED OFF WITH NEW HOPES

Incorporate Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre and 22nd Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment jointly organized, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment Inter Battalion Athletic Meet - 2021, the inspiring sports event of the year that generated enormous enthusiasm among Army sports lovers drew to a close on 24 February 2021 at Vijayabahu Infantry Regimental Centre Playground, Boyagane, amid ceremonials.

Major General S P K A Pilapitiya RWP RSP USP, Colonel of the Regiment of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and General Officer Commanding of 55 Infantry Division, graced the closing ceremony as the Chief Guest. Brigadier K A W N H Bandaranayake, the Commandant of the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment and Commanding Officer of 22nd Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Suranga Ramanayaka welcomed the day’s Chief Guest on his arrival and conducted him to the main dais.

Generating glimmers of new hopes to the field of VIR athletics for future national and Army showcase, approximately 450 young and experienced VIR athletes, representing 19 Battalions belong to VIR illustrated their athletic prowess in this annual event, comprised of track and field events during this 3-day long Athletics Championship that began on Monday (22).

The contest for championship reached its apex with the start of finals of 1500m, 100m and 400m and 4 x 400m relay runs generating a wave of enormous interest and cheering.

Athletes of host 22nd Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment shone brilliantly securing the first place with 134 points while 4th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment secured the second place with 102 points. 8th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment gained the third place by obtaining 81 points.

The day’s Chief Guest expressing his happiness over VIR Athletic 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 Commanding Officer of 22nd Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Suranga Ramanayaka expressed his oral tribute in his thanking speech to every personnel who assisted to make this event a grand success.

Brigadier Upul Weerakoon, the Centre Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Medical Corps, Brigadier Sumal Hemarathna, Commander 581 Brigade, Colonel Jeewan Gunathilaka, the Commandant of Mihindu Seth Medura, Colonel Subath Sanjeewa, Commander Air Mobile Brigade, several Senior Officers and Other Ranks were associated with Wednesday's (24) closing ceremony.