12th Air Force Commander’s Cup to tee off on January 17
As the 12th edition of the Commander’s Cup Golf Tournament approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be a highlight of the Sri Lanka Air Force’s (SLAF) sporting calendar. Held at the SLAF Eagles’ Golf Links and Courses in China Bay, Trincomalee, the tournament will take place on January 17 and 18.
The tournament provides a competitive platform for golfers from the Tri-Forces and police, as well as the civilian sector. The Eagles’ Challenge Trophy, awarded to the top performer among serving armed service members, is one of many accolades to be presented at the awards ceremony to be graced by SLAF Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, marking the conclusion of the event on January 18.
Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa receives the sponsorship from Dialog Axiata's Navin Peiris flanked by Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, Air Commodore Asela Jayasekara and Wing Commander Naveen Gunaratne at the press conference - Pic by Indika Handuwala
At a press briefing announcing the tournament, Air Marshal Rajapaksa noted that last year’s event had 108 participants, including international players.
“This year, we already have over 120 players registered, and we anticipate the total number of participants to reach approximately 140,” he said.
“Golf transcends being just a sport. It fosters significant social connections, particularly within the tourism industry, attracting individuals who visit Sri Lanka solely for the sport,” he added, while emphasising that the event would not only enhance tourism but also boost the country’s economy.
The press conference was headed by Air Marshal Rajapaksa, SLAF Director Media Group Captain Eranda Geeganage, Chairman of SLAF Golf Air Commodore Asela Jayasekara, Secretary Air Force Golf Links and Courses, Wing Commander Naveen Gunaratne and Group Chief Enterprise Officer of Dialog Axiata PLC, Navin Pieris.
“Giving a small breakdown, we have around 74 civilian players, and the rest are from the Tri-Services. This year, with representation from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, the tournament will be played in both men’s as well as women’s categories which is the latest addition,” said Wing Commander Gunaratne.
“After a discussion with the Tournament Committee, we are able to have a shotgun start even with the larger numbers, as we are expecting, 140 golfers this year, compared last year’s 108,” he added.
“When it comes to foreign representation, as of now, we have players from the United Kingdom, Spain, Sweden, South Korea, and India” he said.
“What I have seen in this tournament over the few years that we have sponsored is the talent development and the talent coming out of the forces through the inter-forces tournament where new talent is brought out. We, as Dialog Enterprise, see this as a very important step, and that’s the reason we keep coming back to sponsor the Commander’s Cup year on,” said Pieris of Dialog Axiata.
Following the unveiling of the trophy, the SLAF sports calendar for 2025 was presented. In February, the SLAF will host its three-day ‘Guwan Hamuda Papedi Sawariya’, the Men’s Cycle Race from Weerawila to Colombo, followed by the one-day Women’s race from Mirigama to Colombo in March. Other events include the third edition of the Commander’s Cup Rugby Tournament in May, the fourth Eagles Quadrangle Cup Golf Tournament in June, the Commander’s Cup Volleyball Tournament in July, the fourth Eagles Monsoon Cup Golf Tournament in September, the fourth Eagles Cup Handball Tournament in October, the 17th Air Force Open Squash Tournament in November, and the second edition of the Commander’s Cup Football Tournament.