10th Navy Open Shooting Championship concludes in Welisara
The 10th Navy Open Shooting Championship, organised by the Sri Lanka Navy, concluded successfully following events held from 1 to 12 July 2026 at the Small Bore Firing Complex, Welisara.
The awards ceremony took place on 18 July at the Commander Parakrama Samaraweera Memorial Indoor Sports Complex at SLNS Gemunu, and it was graced by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, as the Chief Guest.
More than 900 shooters representing the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and a number of shooting clubs from across the island competed in this year’s championship. Notably, over 800 of the participants were school athletes, highlighting the growing interest and participation of young athletes in the sport.
The Navy Commander hailed the championship as a milestone for Sri Lanka’s shooting sports, bringing together the tri-forces, police, clubs, and schools on one platform. Praising the young participants, he underscored how shooting cultivates patience, discipline, and focus which are qualities that shape responsible citizens.
He stressed the tournament’s role in fostering competition, experience-sharing, and technical growth, while serving as a launchpad for future national and international stars. Extending gratitude to the Sri Lanka Navy Musketry, the National Sports Shooting Federation, and all partners, he expressed gratitude and wished every competitor success in their future endeavours.
At the championship, the Navy shooters rose to the challenge, clinching multiple medals and adding a glorious chapter to the Navy’s sporting legacy. More than a contest, this championship emerged as a catalyst for the growth of shooting sports across the country, unearthing fresh talent, fostering unity across sectors, and igniting a spirit of healthy competition among all participants.
Chairman Sri Lanka Navy Musketry, Rear Admiral Achala Silva, Secretary of the National Sport Shooting Federation, Mr. Dinesh Lionel, Deputy Area Commander (West), Commodore Aruna Wijewardena, Director Sports, Commodore Indika Edirisinghe, officers from the tri-services and distinguished invitees were present on this occasion.