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| Thursday, 25 September 2003 |
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Minister hopes for high standard of pistol shooting by Dinesh Weerawansa The third International Practical Pistol Shooting championships was inaugurated by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Johnston Fernando at the Special Task Force shooting range, Katukurunda in Kalutara yesterday. Speaking as the chief guest of the opening ceremony, Minister Johnston Fernando said Sri Lanka is proud to host a world class international practical pistol shooting championship of this nature and it would open a new era for the sport in Sri Lanka. "Shooting in Sri Lanka is becoming popular. This is the first time that we are hosting an international practical shooting championship here. I hope high standard of shooting would be dished out in the three days to come," Minister Fernando said. Minister Fernando, himself a national championship shooter, will be a keen spectator at the meet, along with his son Yohan, who too has followed his father's footsteps. Minister Fernando said the competition level at the meet should be high as some of the world best shooters will be seen in action. "This will be a good opportunity for Lankan shooters to test their skills with the world best. Competing at home against the best should give good experience to our shooters and enable sharpen their skills," the Minister observed. A total of over 200 competitors would be seen in action at the meet which would continue until Saturday. Hosts Sri Lanka is fielding a strong team of 150 competitors. There are over 50 world class shooters from the United States, Russia, Australia, Denmark, Norway, Thailand, Philippines and Czech Republic are taking part at the meet. Minister of Defence, Transport, Highways and Civil Aviation, Thilak Marapone will grace Saturday's closing ceremony as the chief guest. President of the National Olympic Committee, Hemasiri Fernando will be a happy man to see Sri Lanka hosting its maiden international practical pistol shooting meet. The former Sri Lanka shooter and chairman of the Airport & Aviation Authority of Sri Lanka, has done a tremendous work to promote practical pistol shooting here. |
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