Most Outstanding Sportswoman for 2023, Oshadi Ranasinghe (Cricket), receiving her award from General Kamal Guneratne (Retd.), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence

By Susil Premalal

The Air Force Colours Awards Ceremony 2022-2023 was held at a gala ceremony at the Eagle’s Lakeside Banquet and Convention Hall.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, General Kamal Guneratne (Retd.), along with Chitrani Guneratne, graced the occasion.

This year, 37 sports disciplines were under evaluation, with 355 sports personalities nominated for the coveted 555 SLAF colours.

Additionally, 61 exceptional athletes who showcased extraordinary performances during the review period were honoured with the Golden Eagle Awards.

The Group Captain Roger Weerasinghe Memorial Trophy for the Most Outstanding Upcoming Sports Personality was jointly awarded to Corporal L.R.D. Perera (netball) and Lady Officer Cadet J.M.S. Savindi (swimming).

Leading Aircraftwoman M.P.S.S. Cooray (boxing) in 2022 and Sergeant O.U. Ranasinghe (cricket) in 2023 bagged the Flight Lieutenant Priya Abeyweeragunawardana Memorial Trophy for the Most Outstanding Sportswoman.

Flight Lieutenant A. Varatharasa Memorial Trophy for the Most Outstanding Sportsman was awarded to Sergeant R.C.N. Dharmawardana for judo in 2022 and Leading Aircraftman S.M.M. Jayathilake for weightlifting in 2023.

The Air Force Academy China Bay and the Air Force Station Colombo were awarded the Vernon Rajapaksha Trophy for being the Best Unit in Sports of 2022 and 2023, respectively.

The outstanding Sportsman of the Year, which is honoured by the President Air Force Sports Council Trophy, was awarded to the Women’s Boxing Team for 2022, the Women’s Cricket Team for 2023, the Men’s Volleyball Team for 2022, and the Men’s Water Polo Team for 2023.

Meanwhile, the Air Chief Marshal D. C. Perera Memorial Trophy for the Most Dedicated Sports Personality of the Year Award was presented to Corporal M.R. Rathnasekara (Coach Taekwondo) for 2022 and Flight Sergeant C.C. Jayawickrama (Manager weightlifting) for 2023.

Most Outstanding Sportsman for 2023, Madushanka Jayathilaka (Weightlifting), receiving his award from General Kamal Guneratne (Retd.), Secretary to the Ministry of Defence

Leading Aircraftwoman M.P.S.S. Cooray (Boxing) was presented with the Most Outstanding Sportswoman for 2022 award

Sergeant R.C.N. Dharmawardana (Judo) was presented with the Most Outstanding Sportsman for 2022 award