(UTV | COLOMBO) – Two players from the Sri Lanka Navy, namely Woman Leading Seaman, Deepika Abeykoon (WVS 66974) and Woman Able Seaman Hasitha Mendis (WV 76519) represented the victorious Sri Lanka team that went on to win the Asian Netball Championship title.
In recognition of their stellar performances, which ultimately brought much glory to the Navy and the Nation, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne felicitated the players and advanced them to the next respective rates during a brief ceremony held in this regard at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (15).
In addition, the 02 players were also presented with cash rewards worth Rs. 250,000.00 each, motivating them to bring out the best from the sportspersons in the Navy.
Sri Lanka won the Championship undefeated on 11th September 2022 by edging out the host Singapore 63-53 in the finals of the 12th Asian Netball Championship held in Singapore, with the participation of 11 Asian countries.
After the arrival of the champion team on the island, the 02 Navy players called on Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne at the Navy Headquarters yesterday (15).
During the brief interaction, the Commander of the Navy congratulated the 02 athletes on this significant feat, which brought much credit to the Navy and pride to the Nation.
Fittingly, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne advanced the two athletes to their subsequent rates in service and presented them with cash incentives worth Rs. 250,000.00 each, as a motivation factor.
Thus, Woman Leading Seaman, Deepika Abeykoon was advanced to the rate of Woman Petty Officer, and Woman Able Seaman Hasitha Mendis was advanced to the rate of Woman Leading Seaman effective from 15th September 2022.
The Navy has made similar felicitations and provided cash incentives to naval athletes on previous occasions intending to encourage those who had made international achievements representing the country.
Such initiatives will invariably be a great investment for the development of sports in the Navy and the county in particular.
The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, who is also the President of the Navy Sports Board has played a pivotal role in Navy Sports cruise full steam ahead in recent times.
Expansion of sports infrastructure, special training opportunities, and welfare measures focusing on athletes have all paved the way for Navy sportsmen and sportswomen to reach new heights in sports at the national and international levels.