Athletics: Defence Ministry felicitates Commonwealth Games Medalists

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) attaching national recognition to tri-service achievers at the recent 'Commonwealth Games - 2018', lauded their victories in a special ceremony at the MoD auditorium on March 27. 

State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardane was the Chief Guest, along with Defence Secretary Kapila Waidyaratne, P.C., State Secretary of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and the Army Chief of Staff who presented the awards. 

Army achievers, Sgt J.P.C. Lakmal of Commando Regiment, LCpl Ishan Bandara of Engineering Corps, Ldg Seaman I.C.D. Dissanayake of SLN and Pvt B.D.H. Gomes of Sri Lanka Air Force were awarded special mementos, certificates and cash prizes. 

The felicitation ceremony was attended by a large gathering of MoD officials, service personnel, coaches and well-wishers. 

Cpl J.A.C. Lakmal of the SL Army cleared a total weight of 248kg to clinch Bronze in the Men’s 56kg category. 

He cleared 114kg and 134kg in the 'Clean & Jerk' event at the Commonwealth Games, to qualify for the finals. 

SLA Boxer LCpl Ishan Bandara of the Engineering Corps, won Bronze in the Men’s 52kg Boxing semifinals. 

LCpl Bandara almost knocked out his Indian rival in a convincing manner, although he could not secure a Silver.