Armed forces training should keep the shooters in fine trim

By Leslie Fernando

The standard of shooting has shot up to armed forces training should keep the shooters in fine trim a high level and the shooters are expected to perform exceptionally well at the South Asian Games shooting events to be held from August 19 to 26 at the new rifle range at the Navy Camp in Welisara said Rear Admiral Thisira Samarasinghe, President of National Rifle Association.

Shooting is a unique sport. Most of the shooters are from the armed forces and Police. But in the future the range will be made available for clubs and private shooters. It is also hoped to popularise the sport at school level. The construction work of the Welisara Rifle Range has been re-started. The supply of necessary equipment has been accelerated.

Rear Admiral Samarasinghe said that 67 shooters were in training at the Army's Electronic Range at Panagoda. The NRA has held three trials and also conducted the Nationals from June 21 to 29. The final trials will be held from July 9 to 13 and the National selectors Zal Chitty (Chairman), Robin Jilla, Major Dhushan Wijewickrema and Col. Jayantha Pathirana will pick the 25 shooters on July 14. Presently shooters are training under Rohana Nanayakkara, National Coach assisted by Sunith Liyanage, Col. Kenneth Edema, Major Dhusan Wijewickrema.

The shooters showed impressive performance at the nationals and Army's Mangala Samarakoon fired an excellent 594 out of 600 points. Firing in the 3x40 three position event, Samarakoon recorded a very good score of 1124 points to win the event and then went on to improve by winning the 50 m shot prone event as well with 587 points out of 600. E.M. Senanayake also of Sri Lanka Army broke a 15 year old record in the men's Air Pistol event with score of 576 out of 600 to improve on the record of 577 held by Gamini Walgama of STF, Ruwini Abeymanne established a new Sri Lanka record with women's Air Piston event. T. Nalani A. Tennakoon (Sri Lanka Army) the wife of Mangala Samarakoon also proved her class in all her events and was selected the Best Women's Shooter at the Nationals. These shooters and others are expected bring honour to the country at the South Asian Games.

Shooters from Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan will participate in the Men's - 10 metres Air Pistol, 25 metres Rapid Fire, 50 metres Free Pistol, 25 metres Standard Pistol, 10 metres Air Rifle, 50 metres Prone, 25 metres Centre Fire Pistol, 50 metres Rifle 3x40. Women's 10 metres Air Pistol, 25 metres Free Pistol, 10 metres Air Rifle, 50 metres Prone and 50 metres Rifle 3x20.

At the 2004 SAF Games, Sri Lanka won 4 silver and 8 bronze medals. Indian shooters swept the board winning 26 gold, 9 silver and 7 bronze.

Rear Admiral Samarasinghe added that equipment and facilities are being provided to the shooters. The Sports Ministry has provided funds to purchase ammunition, construction of the range at Welisara and provision of latest equipment for the range. It should also be said that Sri Lanka Navy also has pumped in bulk of the finance for the sport. The Sports Ministry also has granted finance for shooters nutrition. The other fact is that the South Asian Games Secretariat and the National Olympic Council of Sri Lanka is assisting and supporting the National Rifle Association to achieve greater heights in shooting added the NRA chief Samarasinghe.

It should also be noted that the Ministry of Defence has a control on purchase and issue of ammunition and weapons. They need to be licensed. Furthermore Commercial Explosive and Fire Arm (CEFAP) procument unit controlled by Sri Lanka Navy which could also be used to acquire weapon and ammunition with the approval of the Ministry of Defence.

The clubs, private shooters and schools should be aware of the important rule on ammunition and weapons for the sport of rifle shooting.

Rear Admiral Samarasinghe said that National Rifle Association successfully conducted an International Judges training course with the presentation of ISSF Diplomas of Honour with the successful candidates now issued with licences by the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) based in Germany. It was conducted by India's A.J. Jalaudin and Colonel Jaswant Singhe and 13 were successful. The course was held last month at the Sugathadasa Sports Hotel.

Rohan Nanayakkara, National Coach almost achieved 100 percent marks in all disciplines to top the batch, will now have licences in Rifle, Pistol, Shot Gun and Target Control. Among others to do well were Dr. Asanga Balasuriya, Athula Jayawardena, Sampath Fernando, Major G.M.C.K.B. Ekanayake, Major D.M.D. Wijewickrema, Capt. G.K.S. Manatunga and Capt. C.P. Wijesinghe.