The sudden and untimely demise of AVM Channa Guneratna a versatile sportsman, who brought immense glory to his alma mater, Ananda College Colombo and the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) on Monday 20 April has created an irreparable loss to both SLAF and the country.
He was an all-round sportsman at Ananda College Colombo and represented the school in Cricket, Rugger, Soccer, Swimming and Athletics. Young Channa excelled in cricket and represented the Ananda College First XI side from 1969 to 1971. He played for the Ceylon Schools XI against the visiting Bombay Cricket Club in 1971. He captained the College Rugby XV and won colours in both Cricket and Rugby.
On joining the SLAF in 1972 to a batch comprising outstanding sporting talent such as Air Chief Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, AVM Channa continued his sporting journey. He represented the SLAF cricket team in Division one and was a member of the SLAF team, which won the Rahaman Hathy Trophy in 1980/81 season. He captured 19 wickets during the season becoming the fourth highest-wicket taker for the Airmen. This is the only major victory for the SLAF to-date in Division One Cricket, after their entry into First Class Cricket in 1967.
AVM Channa was a fine fullback for the SLAF rugby team in the early 70s. He was a member of the SLAF team, which emerged runner-up in the Clifford Cup in 1975, under Sqn Ldr Shanthi Mendis. Channa won SLAF colours for both Rugby and Cricket. He continued to serve SLAF as an outstanding sports administrator and was the coach of the SLAF rugby team, which won the Clifford Cup for the first time in 1986. This is considered the finest achievement of SLAF rugby.
Another remarkable feat of AVM Channa was his leading role in inaugurating the Guwan Hamuda Papedi Savariya or the Tour de Air Force in 1999. Under the guidance of the then Commander, Air Marshal Jayalath Weerakkody, he was instrumental in organizing this event with great success. This cycling event is continued to-date as the leading and uninterrupted cycling event in the country. Besides, AVM Channa played a remarkable role in guiding and nurturing the sporting talent at SLAF. He retired from the SLAF in 2006 after a distinguished career spanning over 34 years. He was a much loved and respected officer due to his exceptional leadership skills and integrity. The sports fraternity of the SLAF prays that he attains the supreme bliss of Nibbana.
Gp Capt Padman de Costa
Former Secretary of Air Force Sports Council and Defence Services Sports Board
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