Navy recognises personnel for international sporting achievements
The Navy recognised a number of its athletes for their outstanding performances at international sporting events between 2024 and 2026.
The event in this regard was held at Navy Headquarters today, 5 August 2026, and was presided over by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, awarding cash prizes in recognition of their achievements.
Among those recognised was Woman Ordinary Seaman KSM Perera, a member of the Sri Lanka national netball team that finished runners-up at the 13th Asian Netball Championship held in India in 2024.
Woman Ordinary Seaman BSL Mendis was also recognised for a series of medal-winning performances while representing the national athletics team. At the 26th Asian Athletics Championships held in South Korea in 2024, she secured bronze medals in both the women's 4x400m relay and the mixed 4x400m relay.
She also won bronze in the women's 400m event and silver medals in the women's 4x400m relay and mixed 4x400m relay at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships held in India in 2025.
Woman Ordinary Seaman OT Chandrasekara received recognition for winning the bronze medal in the women's shot put event at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships in India in 2025.
The Navy also recognised Chief Petty Officer PC Chandradasa, Petty Officer WHP de Silva, Leading Seaman KMRS Bandara, Leading Seaman HAD Hettigoda and Leading Seaman HMDS Rathnayake, who represented the Sri Lanka national team that finished runners-up at the inaugural Commonwealth Senior Beach Handball Championship held in the Maldives in 2025.
In addition, Woman Leading Seaman APM Hansamali and Woman Able Seaman R Priyawarna were recognised for representing Sri Lanka at the 6th Asian Beach Kabaddi Championship held in China in 2026, where the national team secured the runners-up title.
Addressing the recipients, Vice Admiral Fernando congratulated the athletes for showcasing their sporting talent on the international stage and for bringing recognition and honour to both Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Navy through their achievements.
The event was attended by the Director General Services, Rear Admiral Indika Gunawardena, the Director Sports, Commodore Indika Edirisinghe, Chairmen of Navy Sports Pools, coaches, and a group of naval personnel.