Sri Lanka Signal Corps end 32-year old victory drought

Triumph in Army Inter Regiment Rugby Championship

Amid eager anticipation, the SL Army Inter Regiment Men’s Rugby Football Championship 2023 grand final took place on August 4th, 2023, at the Panagoda Army Rugby Stadium. This climactic event, contested for the esteemed Commanders Cup, represented the pinnacle of the SL army sports calendar. The tournament commenced on June 9, 2023, with 16 participating teams, magnificently showcasing soldiers’ unwavering spirit. Notably, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, graced the event as chief guest, elevating the competition’s prestige

In a historic showdown that reverberated through the decades, the Sri Lanka Signal Corps (SLSC) triumphed over the Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (SLAGSC) with a gripping score of 19-17. This victory was more than just a triumph on the rugby pitch – it shattered a 35-year championship drought, dating back to 1988. Under the dynamic leadership of scrum-half SGT Kumarasinghe, the SLSC crafted a remarkable journey to this historic moment.

Guided by Major General KAWS Rathnayake, the Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Signal Corps, Centre Commandant – Col AKD Adikari USP and Head Coach Ashane Dassanayake, the SLSC embarked on their campaign with a historic victory against the SL Army Service Corps (SLASC), delivering a promising start by beating them after 20 long years. This momentum propelled them forward as they secured consecutive victories against GW (22-12) and MIC (64-3), before edging past SLAC with a score of 19-15 to claim their spot in the semifinals. Their triumph in the semifinals, with a scoreline of 20-12, secured their berth in the grand finale, where they faced the defending champions, SLAGSC.

In a match that pulsed with energy and excitement, SLAGSC initially surged ahead in the first half, notching up two unconverted tries by CPL. Rupasinghe and L/CPL Udayakumara, setting the score at 10-0. However, SLSC exhibited remarkable resilience and strategy, orchestrating a stunning turnaround. Two converted tries by Centre L/CPL Sandaruwan and Lock SGT Kobbekaduwa, bolstered by conversions from Fullback Major N. Edirisinghe, swung the momentum in SLSC’s favor, leaving the halftime score at 14-10.

The second half unfurled as a fierce battle of wits, with CPL. Chandrasekara’s converted try momentarily restoring SLAGSC’s lead at 17-14. Tension mounted, with every play crucial to the final outcome. In the closing moments, SLSC demonstrated unwavering determination as they capitalized on a penalty opportunity. Through meticulous teamwork and strategic phases, Sergeant Major Rosa’s well-executed skip pass found its way to speedster SGT. Premajayantha, who clinched victory for SLSC with a brilliant try. The final score of 19-17 marked a joyous eruption of celebration.

Furthermore, L/C C.L. Jayawickrama of SLSC was awarded the best player of the tournament, showcasing exceptional skills throughout the event.