The University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýemerged as Overall Champion for the first time Ìýin the Sri Lankan University Games (SLUG) at the XI SLUG 2013 gaining a rare opportunity as the host and the winner of the event with the most number of points [321.5].
UOMÌýwon nearly 10 championship namely in cricket, chess, carom, rowing, hockey, karate, rugby football , baseball,Ìýtaekwondo, overall men championshipÌý ÌýÌýÌýÌý
The awards were presented at the Awards Presentation ceremony organized elegantly by the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýto the winningÌý teams by the distinguished invitees including the chief guest of the occasion Hon Minister of Higher Education S BÌýDissanayakeÌý, MrsÌý S BÌýDissanayake, Secretary, Ministry of Higher Education Dr SunilÌýJayanthaÌýNawarathna, Chairperson of University Grants Commission ProfessorÌýKshanikaÌýHirimburegama, Chancellor of the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýProfessor K K Y WÌýPerera, Vice Chancellor ProfessorÌýAnandaJayawardane, Director General, Sports and Talent Development Mr SunilÌýGunawardhanaÌýand many other distinguished invitees. ÌýÌýÌýÌý
The closing ceremony was held at theÌýMoratuwaÌýUniversity grounds which started around 4 pm with the arrival of the Hon Minister of Education and Mrs S BÌýDissanayakeÌýto the venue.
The ten-day event which His Excellency the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri LankaÌýMahindaÌýRajapaskaÌýdeclared opened as the XIÌýthÌýÌýSri Lanka University Games (SLUG) at the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýonÌý2ndÌýMay 2013, ended on MayÌý12thÌý2013 .
After 18 years since the ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ first hosted SLUG in 1985, it was a privilege for the ³ÉÈËÍ·Ìõ to host for the second time the SLUG 2013 Ìýwith the participation of 14 national universities Ìýwhich marked its emergence as Overall Champion since the SLUG Ìýcommenced in 1980.
The University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýmade all preparations for around 5200 students taking part in 22 sports and 35 events which were organized with the support of the Ministry of Higher Education and other stakeholders who worked tirelessly with great enthusiasm over the last months to make this event a success.
The events took place Ìýas scheduled at 26 sports venues both within and outside the premises of the University ofÌýMoratuwa. ÌýÌý
The University Games concept which gave birth to present Sri Lanka University Games or simply known as SLUG commenced with only 13Ìý sports and 20 events 23 years ago. Its maiden event was held at the University ofÌýPeradeniya, Sri Lanka with the participation of six national universities, namely Colombo,ÌýPeradeniya, SriÌýJayewardenepura,ÌýKelaniya,ÌýMoratuwaÌýandÌýJaffna. This University Sports Festival, since then, is organized once in three years and rotates among the national universities. ÌýÌýÌýÌý
The University ofÌýMoratuwa, hosting the XI Sri Lanka University Games had a grand scale ceremonial opening as well as a closing ceremony which the large number of people including participants were pleased with. The opening ceremony began with the arrival of His Excellency the PresidentÌýMahindaÌýRajapaksaÌýbeing ushered in a welcome procession to the venue, the grounds of the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýby the Hon Minister of Higher Education S BÌýDissanayake, and other distinguished persons including the Chancellor K K Y WÌýPereraÌýand the Vice Chancellor of the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýProfessorÌýAnandaÌýJayawardane.
At the grand opening ceremony, the dancing troupe of National Youth Council, welcoming the distinguished guests with a traditionalÌýPujaDance led in the procession.
The President then unveiled a plaque to mark his arrival at theÌý University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýas the chief guest of XI Sri Lanka University Games.
Followed by the march of participating teams to the ground, the Games Banner, Logo and Mascot were launched. This was followed by the hoisting of the National Flag by His Excellency the President and university flags by the respective Vice Chancellors of the participating universities.Ìý
Following the National Anthem, His Excellency the PresidentÌýMahindaÌýRajapaksaÌýwas invited to declare open the XI Sri Lanka University Games officially.Ìý
Among the items that attracted the audience were a display of robot manipulated quad rotors flying the National Flag, theÌýUOMÌýFlag, theÌýSLUSAÌýFlag and the Sports Flag, and the robot lighting the Olympic Lamp. These quad rotors areÌý marvelousÌý creations of the Department of Electronics and Telecommunication, University ofÌýMoratuwa.
The ceremonial opening of the XI Sri Lanka University Games came to an end with two cultural shows presented by the Western Band of the Royal College, Colombo and the students of theÌýMahindaÌýRajapaksaÌýMahaÌýVidyalaya,ÌýHomagama. ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
TheÌýXIthÌýSri Lanka University Games concluded on May 12, 2013 under the patronage of the Hon Minister of Higher Education S BÌýDissanayakeÌýat the University ofÌýMoratuwa.
Following the welcome speech by Chairman of the Organizing CommitteeÌý and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University ofÌýMoratuwaProfessorÌýRahulaÌýAttalageÌýand the address by the Vice Chancellor of the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýProfessorÌýAnandaÌýJayawardane, theÌýSLUSAparade began with the participation of all Universities.
Following awards presentation, Minister S BÌýDissanayakeÌýdeclared closure of the XI SLUGÌý and theÌýSLUSAÌýSecretary General , Organizing Secretary and director of Physical Education Division of the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýMr K R D CÌýRathnamudaliÌýdelivered the Vote of Thanks.
The closing ceremony cameÌý to end with the Vice Chancellor University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýhanding theÌýSLUSAÌýflag to theÌýSLUSAÌýPresident ProfessorÌýSohanÌýWijesekeraÌýwho then handed it to the Vice Chancellor of the University ofÌýJaffnaÌýas the host of XII SLUG which will be held in 2016 and the fireworks display organized by the Physical Education Division of the University ofÌýMoratuwa.Ìý ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý
Below is the summary of the performances in terms of overall points obtained by participated universities in all 22 sports and 35 events participated by both male and female students at the XI SLUG 2013:
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In the eyes of those everyone witnessed and participated, the XI SLUG 2013 was truly a success not only in the spirit of competition and good achievements but a sense and spirit of sportsmanship and togetherness, which are essentially two prime requirements for building a healthier and well being Sri Lankan society, and finally a fine venue for resemblance of education, intelligence and wisdom of the University communities which gathered to celebrate friendship encounters among themselves. Ìý
The praise[s] during and after the event were a clear proof of the success of the organization of the event, the credit of which goes principally to the dedicated staff of the University ofÌýMoratuwaÌýwho teamed up to achieve this success.