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by Sarath Malalasekera

Sports Complexes are meant to develop, physical and mental conditions of mankind. Likewise, the Police Sports Complex is meant, to develop the physical and mental ability of Police officers, Inspector General of Police T. E. Anandarajah said at the opening ceremony of the new Police Sports Complex at Narahenpita last Friday.

The Police Sports Complex includes a swimming pool of International standard and a squash court, gymnasium, sauna, steam bath, ice bath, jacuzzi, open badminton court and a restaurant.

A special feature in this ceremony was the presence of retired IGPs including Ana Senevirante, Rudhra Rajasinghem and Frank de Silva. Retired Senior DIGs Mithra Ariyasingha and P. B. Ekanayake.

St. Bridget Convent girls' water ballet team added a special colour to the ceremony. Several swimming meets including meets for schoolchildren were held at the opening ceremony directed by Panadura Senior SP Kithsiri Dayananda.

The IGP and Mrs. Anandarajah were received at the entrance to the complex by senior officials including Senior DIGs Gamini Randeni, Jayatissa Herath, Indra de Silva, DIGs Punaya de Silva, Commandant of the Field Force Headquarters, Bodhi Liyanage, Nimal Jayamanne, Deputy Commandant FFHQ, Senior SP M. W. Ariyaratne and Police Sports Club Secretary L. A. Perera.

Ms. Lukshmi Kodituwakku, wife of late IGP Lucky Kodituwakku was also present at the ceremony.

IGP Anandarajah and Mrs. Anandarajah were escorted to the venue by a team of colourful Kandyan dancers. The Police band too was in attendance. IGP said "I am glad to say, that we have reached another milestone, in the sports history of the police. Initially, the concept of constructing a well equipped swimming pool within a sports complex for the police was proposed by former Senior DIG P. B. Ekanayake at a monthly meeting of the Police Sports Council in the year 1995. This proposal received unanimous acceptance and was originally launched during the tenure of office of former IGP W. B. Rajaguru."

"We are proud today that the monies utilized for this project was found from the 'Police Reward Fund,' our own money, it ran into a sum of rupees 64 million, as the total expenditure. I therefore request all Police Officers and others who use this complex to kindly ensure their co-operation to the Director Sports and his staff to maintain this complex at its par-excellent condition." the IGP added.

During the period of late IGP Lucky Kodituwakku he strived through many stages of the project and was able to expedite its construction, although, he could not live to see the fruition of his untiring endeavour, which is heart sending to mention here. However, it was his untiring deeds that made this complex a reality, the IGP said.

To study this project, late IGP Kodituwakku appointed a special committee headed by DIG Jayantha Wickremaratne, DIG Punya de Silva, Senior SPs Jayantha Paranathala, M. W. Ariyaratne and L. A. Perera. The Committee has done a splendid study of the complex and has provided necessary equipment and personnel including the training of staff, the IGP said. IGP emphasised the excellent contribution made by DIG Jayantha Wickremaratne and his team in successfully completing the project.

'We intend to use this complex for national and international competitions and for practices by clubs and schools, since it has the capacity to meet such requirements, he said.

In conclusion the IGP thanked Senior DIG Gamini Randeni and his organising committee for the excellent arrangements made, in a fitting manner at this ceremony. 'I also sincerely thanked the special invitees, guests and all Police officers for their encouragement and support given by their presence to grace this occasion,' the IGP said.

DIG Punya de Silva in his welcome speech said that 'this is an historic occasion for all police officers past and present as the first ceremonial event attended by the IGP T. E. Anandarajah after assuming office on October 3, 2002.

He paid a glowing tribute to DIG Jayantha Wickremaratne, chairman of the steering committee and his team appointed by late IGP Kodituwakku for their excellent assistance given to complete the beautiful complex. The Committee had the guidance and help from the then senior DIG Administration T. E. Anandarajah who held several discussions at the complex with the participation of the contractors and the consultant.

All difficult issues and problems were solved by the then senior DIG Admin, with his admirable approach by not insulting, hurting, not ridiculing anyone but gave a firm hand, DIG de Silva said.

Senior SP L. A. Perera delivered the vote of thanks.

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