A Sri Lankan 15-member shooting team, representing SL Army, Special Task Force and civilians from several National Rifle Association affiliated sport shooting clubs, participated at the 11th IMSSU World Championship, held in the Czech Republic from July 12-26.
Sri Lanka won a total of 17 medals in Smallbore and Bigbore rifle shooting events at this championship.
Y.D. de Silva, a 16-year-old schoolboy from S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, won the Overall Silver Medal against all shooters from 16 countries.
Medal winners in Smallbore Rifle events:
Y.D. de Silva of Magnum Sport Shooting Club – Overall Silver Medal in Silhouette Rifle (65/80) and Gold Medal in Light Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (61/80)
P. Basnayake of SL Army – Gold Medal in the Silhouette Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (56/80) and Silver Medal in the Light Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (60/80)
J. Wickramasurendra of Magnum Sport Shooting Club – Gold Medal in Light Rifle – ‘A’ Div. (50/80) and Bronze Medal in Silhouette Rifle – ‘A’ Div. (45/80)
R.P. Gunawardana of SL Army – Silver Medal in Silhouette Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (54/80)
M.L. Godakankanamge of SL Army – Bronze Medal in Light Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (60/80)
C.S. Rathnayaka of SL Army – Bronze Medal in Silhouette Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (54/80)
SL Army Team consisting M.L. Godakankanamge, P. Basnayake and D. Karunathilaka – Bronze Medal in Overall Smallbore Rifle (331/360)
Medal winners of Bigbore Rifle events:
M.L. Godakankanamge of SL Army – Gold Medal in Silhouette Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (25/40)
Overall Bronze Medal in Hunter Rifle (30/40)
Mohan Gilbert of Negombo Rifle Club – Silver Medal in Hunter Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (17/40)
P. Basnayake of SL Army – Bronze Medal in Silhouette Rifle – ‘B’ Div. (19/40)
The Lankan team arrived in Sri Lanka on July 27 and they were warmly welcomed by the officials of the NRA and affiliated sport shooting club members at the Katunayake International Airport.
