Archives

by Sarath Malalasekera

The Police Special Task Force (STF) won the overall championship of the Police and Armed Services Practical Pistol Shooting Championship held recently at Katukurunda.

The winning team consisted of Inspectors P.D.G. Walter, A.S. Jayasinghe, C.N. Ratnaweera S. Attygala, Sub Inspector H. Divulwewa and Seargeant Asela Premanath.

President Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga in a message on the 13 anniversary of the Practical Pistol Shooting Championship stated 'It is with great pleasure that I send this message of feliciation to the Practical Pistol Shooting Championship for the Police and the Armed Forces. This event has been very popular among the members of the Armed Forces and the Police since 1979. The last event had been held in 1994, and it is heartening to note, that today, after eight long years, the Police Sports Club has been able to revitalize this event.' Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe ina message stated: I am happy that the Police Sports Club has revived the Practical Pistol Shooting Championship Championship after eight years. It is encouraging to witness healthy rivalry between personnel of the Police and the Armed Services and also the Civilians who look on this meet as part of the training process for those entrusted with protective security duties as it sharpens their skills.'

Interior Minister John Amaratunge in his message stated that Practical Pistol Shooring trains the eyes and co-ordinates manual skills with capabilities of a weapon. It is a complex relationship and provides practical lessons for those involved in maintaining law and order. The revival of these competitions, after a long lapse, is step in the right direction.'

IGP T.E. Ananadarajah in his message stated that 'The practical Pistol Shooting Championship organised by the Police Sports Club is one of the most popular sporting events in which the Police and the Armed Services and even civilians jointly participate in. "I am happy that we have been able to revive this event after a lapse of eight years and I congratulate the organisers who have taken great pains to make this occasion a success.'

Message from the Chairman, Police Small Arms Club and STF Commandant DIG Nimal Gunatilleke: 'I consider it a great privilege as the Chairman of the Police Small Arms Club to have been able to revive the Practical Pistols Shooting Championship for the Police and the Armed Services, as annual event that has not been held since 1994. This was an occasion that members of the Police and the Armed Services and even civilians eagerly look forward to, competing for the coveted Prsidents Prize.

'Over the years there has been tremendous progress in the type of weapons and the forms of shooting and we knew how eagerly the shooters look forward to this event to demonstrate their skills they have acquired.

We anticipate a high level of competition as this year we hope that a Champion will emerge to qualify for the prestigious decoration, the "Pistol Sura Padakkama." This coveted medal has eluded the shooters since 1988.' DIG Nimal Gunatilleke thanked the President Chandrika Bandaranike Kumaratunga, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, IGP T.E. Anandarajah and Service Commanders for their encouragement to revive this sporting event.

The awards were distributed by the Prsident."It is worth mentioning that this is one of the major tournaments conducted by the Police Sports Club, which facilitate the exposure for shooting, of Police Armed Service and Civilian clubs. Keen participation of shooters of clubs endorses the pre-eminence of this meet. The champion shooter carries away nothing less than the most prestigious Presidents trophy, Police Sports Club, Director Sports, Senior SP L.A. Perera said in his message.'

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager