Inaugural ‘Lakvijaya Trophy 2024’ sports championship a grand success

Lakvijaya, the largest power plant in Sri Lanka, operating under Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), recently held the first ever ‘Lakvijaya Trophy 2024’ sports championship organised by Lakvijaya Sports Club (LSC).

It was held under the patronage of  Power Plant Manager and Lakvijaya Sports Club President Eng. Nalaka Wijekoon who played a prominent role in regard to his passion for sports and dedication to fostering a thriving sports culture within the plant and making this grand sport championship into a remarkable and momentous occasion.

The Lakvijaya Trophy sport championship was the biggest sporting event in CEB’s history. Held at the Karamba CEB housing complex, the event saw over 800 employees from all over the sections taking part in 9 sporting disciplines, namely Cricket, Carrom, Volleyball, Bicycle Race, Netball, Marathon, Badminton, Swimming, Athletics, spanning over a period of month.

The ‘Lakvijaya Trophy 2024’ was contested among 4 houses, namely Legends, Energisers, Innovators and Mavericks under each Deputy Plant Manager (DPM) section operating in Lakvijaya Power Plant. 

Team ‘Legends’ led by DPM (O&M) Eng. P. W. Bamunusinghe, captained by Eng. Dhanusha Rathnayake, team ‘Energisers’ led by DPM (HM&AS) Eng. Hemantha Samarasinghe, team ‘Innovators’ led by DPM (P&D) Eng. Nalaka Kumara and team ‘Mavericks’ led by DPM (C&M) Eng. Thushantha Abeykoon, captained by Eng. Ranjan Wijesekara.

All of them were undoubtedly accredited for their precious involvement in the super success of this grand event. This also involved the participation of a considerable number of female employees and brought the majority of the plant together to celebrate the true sporting spirit.

After concluding the triumph accomplishment of several sport competitions over a period of month, the final ceremonial gathering was held on 20 February, where employees of Lakvijaya Power Plant came together to showcase their talents, resilience and sportsmanship. Indeed, the day was filled with DJ music, food stations, fireworks, cheerleaders, traditional dancing, live compering and a display of absolute athleticism.

District Secretariat - Puttalam H. M. S. P. Herath, Divisional Secretary - Kalpitiya S. M. P. Nandasena, Deputy Inspector General of Police - Puttalam Nalaka De Silva, Commanding Officer - Kalpitiya Navy and Captain Jayanath De Silva, Group Captain Prabhath Alexander, Sri Lanka Air force - Palaviya Commanding Officer Colonel Meegaswatte, Army 58 brigade - Puttalam Soyza, Assistant Superintendent Police - Kalpitiya Mangala Ramanayaka, Secretary - Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Saba and Medical Officer Health - Kalpitiya Dr. Krishanth Balasooriya graced this grand occasion as the distinguished invitees and truly enjoyed the evening full of fun and excitement since the grand final of the cricket tournament and final athletic events were also held in front of them.

H. M. S. P. Herath delivered a meaningful speech whilst addressing the audience who gathered to witness this historical occasion. Herath further emphasised the importance of conducting these sport championships for the betterment of uplifting the hidden capabilities and unique strengths among employees.

The exceedingly awaited declaration of ‘Lakvijaya Trophy 2024’ concluded gaining the victory for team ‘Innovators’ securing the 1st place, team ‘Energisers’ claiming the 2nd place, team ‘Legends’ earning 3rd and team ‘Mavericks’ securing the 4th place respectively. This was a booming victory celebrating the aptitude, solidarity, and sportsmanship of the employees whilst demonstrating the robust leadership of the plant management creating a strong wisdom for their teams and shaping to the utmost level best for a magnificent endeavour.

The success of this historical event would not have been possible without the direct involvement and continuous supervision of Chief Eng. Lahiru Weerathunga, Vice President Eng. Pramod Madushanka, General Secretary Acct. Niroshana Jayalath, Treasurer and all the members of Lakvijaya Sports Club (LSC). These heroes who are often working behind the scenes, were the true architects of the unforgettable moments, so a very big thank to the organisers for their scrupulous arrangements and flawless execution for producing such a delightful event. Most importantly, a special appreciation should go to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) unit, security section, administrative staff and all the parties who took part for the triumphant completion of this historical event.

Teamwork is the rarest, most thrilling and productive human activity. Every business should harness this incredible resource. Nevertheless, achieving such levels of motivation and spirit is not always easy. After returning to work the next day, the employees would feel that they have developed a stronger bond with each other.

The employees of the plant are truly blessed with the prospect to get themself involved in various team building activities besides their core activity of generating the electricity to light up the nation. The Lakvijaya Power Plant, which is also known as the Norochcholai Power Station, generates a significant amount of Sri Lanka’s total electricity production. In this plant, the electrical energy is produced using three steam turbines each of capacity 300MW hence the total installed capacity of the plant is 900 MW. Around 1,000 employees are currently attached to the plant and many of them are from different parts of the country. Despite the technical competencies of them to perform the routine duties, their team spirit plays a significant role to confront and conquer all challenges with the intention of accomplishing the desired goals as a team.

Though the hardship of the environment, the remoteness and distance from families, the employees in Lakvijaya Power Plant are sacrificing a lot yet contributing to the national electricity generation hence it’s imperative to maintain their mental conditions through these events in order to achieve a good work-life balance.

In every sport there are groups encompassing colourful or outstanding players who are not honoured individually; instead, the group is recognised as a whole. This ‘group’ performance is finally called “team spirit” which stimulates us to achieve goals way beyond our imagination, providing good lessons for life. This was put to the test at their recent sports championship, a spokesman for Lakvijaya Power Plant said.