Most Outstanding Sportsman of the Year 2023 weightlifter SMM Jayathilake and Most Outstanding Sportswomen of the Year 2023 cricketer Oshadi Ranasinghe receive their Awards from Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne in the presence of Air Vice Marshal C Wickremaratne the Chairman of the Organising Committee
They hailed from humble beginnings born of simple down-to-earth parentage and nothing could have taken away their success story of true heroes as the Air Force celebrated its sportsmen and women at a glitzy ceremony held last week at their very own Eagles Lakeside Convention Hall at Attidiya, Ratmalana.
Air Force’s symbol of pride and majesty
The occasion had everything to do with sportsmen and women and nothing to do with pompous outsiders excellent at imposing themselves where they are despised and not wanted and it was written on the faces from the highest to the lowest ranks present in solidarity.
Defence Secretary retired army General Kamal Gunaratne no stranger to sports could not have told their story in a more telling way when he endorsed the award winners several of whom have represented Sri Lanka as finished products of discipline, commitment and worthy of role model status.
“Your dedication, perseverance and outstanding performances have not only brought glory to the Air Force but have inspired the entire nation,” General Gunaratne told the award winners.
“Through your achievements you have exemplified the values of discipline, determination and excellence that are fundamental to both military service and athletic personalities”.
The occasion also brought together a full house of sporting Officers and Gentlemen who have played their roles in the success of sports in the flying force that has throughout the years nurtured many of Sri Lanka’s athletes who would have otherwise crash-landed in a country not well known for transparency in sports management.
The ceremony was a fitting climax to blood, sweat and tears short of nothing and began with a band of “Scottish Pipers” leading General Gunaratne, a pioneer of women’s rugby among the Services, and Air Force commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa who bestowed the awards to the best of the best for the years 2022 and 2023.
General Gunaratne who could have also chosen a retirement career in sports administration that could have made him a cut above many, held nothing back in his address 60 years after a giant in Air Force sports Flight Sergeant Bertie Ekanayake picked up the first award for his outstanding exploits in rugby, boxing, basketball, football, cricket and hockey.
“As we gather to celebrate your success in various sports disciplines we are reminded of the immense efforts and commitments required to reach such heights of achievements.
“Tonight each of you embodies the spirit of relentless pursuit towards excellence setting the benchmark for future generations. True champions are not defined by their victories alone, but by their perseverance and sportsmanship”, said General Gunaratne.
There is no sport the Air Force has not taken care of and dabbled in without success that separates them from many other institutions in the country with their sportsmen and women encouraged to overcome barriers and hurdles irrespective of the end result.
Most Outstanding Upcoming Sports Personality of the Year 2023 Officer Cadet and swimmer JMS Savindi receives her award from Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne/Most Oustanding Upcoming Sports Personality 2022 netball player Rashmi Perera receives her award from Air Force commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa
Friday night was the culmination of their soaring pride when the Eagle landed for all to see.
