Army’s ‘High Altitude Training Centre’ for Runners Adds a New Chapter to Army Athletics

November 15, 2024

Development - Provincial

Army’s ‘High Altitude Training Centre’ for Runners Adds a New Chapter to Army Athletics

August 16, 2014

The ‘High Altitude Training Centre,’ (HATC) atop Piduruthalagala, the newest and exceptional project of the Army, considered to be perhaps the only one in kind in the whole of South East Asia, was inducted into the skills of marathon running Friday (15) afternoon during a brief ceremony, headed by Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army, the pioneer behind realization of this state-of-the-art Centre for long running training.

With committed dedication of the Association of Sri Lanka Army Athletics (ASLAA) , chaired by Major General Amal Karunasekara, Chairman, ASLAA, the HATC with its training tracks and the new gymnasium, equipped with sport training accessories, to the value of more than Rs 1 m, saw its birth on the directions of the Commander of the Army. This new training centre provides space for potential runners both in the services and the civil sector to undergo training at higher elevation, to be in harmony with sensitivities of cool climatic conditions in Nuwara Eliya region, by which their competitive nature at lower elevations, could be very much raised and improved.

Friday’s inauguration of this novel project by its architect, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake after unveiling a plaque and registering the first trainee runner, Warrant Officer I Chaminda Wijekoon who brought laurels to the country securing the world’s 12th place in 1500 m Marathon Run, having collected the South Asian Gold Medal (2010), Asian Silver Medal (2011) and acquiring the fourth place in the Commonwealth Games in 2010 earlier.

A total of 60 athletes, at a time can be accommodated in this new training centre with residential facilities, and it is to be opened to the civil sector trainees as well, considering its unique capacity and nature of facilities available. Ministry of Sports has extended its fullest support to the project by providing trainers and coaches when needed.

Soon after its opening, the Commander took time off and saw for himself the equipment installed and shared a couple of views with Army athletes who have by now signed up for this new bout of training which certainly will be a new inspiring experience.

On arrival at the venue, several athletes and Major General Amal Karunasekara welcomed the visiting Commander of the Army whose innovative thinking has made the project a reality within a span of few months. Before his departure, the Commander had a close look at new field tracks, prepared in the camp ground.

Brigadier G.J.A.W Galagamage, Director Sports in the Army was also present at the opening ceremony. A large group of athletes of the Army together with coaches and instructors have signed up for their training at this new centre.
(SL Army/ ST)