About Us
History
The SACKOBA Defence Forces and Police Branch (SACKOBA – DFP) was formally inaugurated on 30th May 2018 under the noble effort of Vice Admiral Susith Weerasekara, the founding President, with the vision of fostering greater unity among Antonians serving in Sri Lanka Defence Forces and Police Department and harness their strength to elevate the glory of beloved alma mater. Having adopted its constitution on 11th January 2019 in a special General Meeting, SACKOBA DFP functioning as an affiliated branch of the SACKOBA standing next to Colombo Branch.
Engagement and Commitments
Presented two challenging trophies to the College in memory of late Colonel Aslam Fazly Laphir, PWV, RWP, RSP, SF of Sri Lanka Army and Lieutenant WNK Nalaka Lankathilake RWP of Sri Lanka Navy, two notable alumnae of the College, who sacrificed their lives with valour in the line of duty. Two trophies were presented to the Rev. Fr. Principal by Maj Gen Lalith Wijetunga and Radm Susith Weerasekara respectively on 5th November 2022 during the AGM 2022 and urge the College to award them annually, one at Colours Night and other at College Annual Prize Giving Ceremony, as challenging trophies for suitable achievements discern by the College. Trophies were designed and produced under the guidance and supervision of Immediate Past President RAdm Kassapa Paul and with the financial assistance of members of the DFP.
Successfully conduct a Leadership and OBT training program for the prefects of alma mater during the period from 6th to 8th July 2023 at Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), Diyatalawa under the direct supervision and commitment of three Antonians, Colonel Ruwan Ehelepola USP USACGSC - Commanding Officer-Officer Cadet Wing, Colonel Aruna Karunaratne USP psc - Director Academics of the SLMA and Colonel Ranga Abewickrama RWP RSP - Colonel Coordinating-Security Force Headquarters (Central). Rev. Fr. Henry Wijeratna, the Rector, staff members and 24 prefects participated in the 3-day program. It was a great exposure for the prefects to develop their leadership qualities and the Outbound Leadership Programme added another interesting and precious experience to the young souls, who always rally hand in hand around the banner of the Maroon, Double Blue. Further, it had given a great opportunity for three old Antonians to show their gratitude to their beloved alma mater on behalf of DFP.
Provided required consultation to resolve the issues emanated out of encroachment into the College land from the area adjoining the Sri Rahula College playground with the mediation of SDIG Nuwan Wedasinghe and SSP Athula Daulagala. Assistance of the DFP was expected by the College Administration to resolve this longstanding issue and said members of the DFP volunteer to assist the College in order to protect the integrity of the divine land.
Hosted a felicitation dinner on 17th March 2023 at Senior Police Officers Mess, Colombo in honour of retired Senior Superintendent of Police Franklyn Burke, top class cricketer rated as one of the top cricketers to come out in the early 1960’s. He is a cricketer who brought distinction to the College by winning the Schoolboy Cricketer of the Year Award in 1962 and respected for exemplary service he rendered to the Sri Lanka Police. Joy surrounded with the oldest living retired senior police officer, who is in the age of 80s, was palpable cherishing memories of college life and long tour of duty in the service to the nation. Efforts and meticulous planning of SDIG Nuwan Wedasinghe and SSP Athula Daulagala aided a successful event conducted by the DFP.
Annual General Meeting
After a stalemate of two years due to the pandemic, SACKOBA – DFP held its AGM for Year 2022 under the premiership of RAdm Kassapa Paul at 1800 hr on 5 November 2022 at the Wardroom, Headquarters, Western Navel Command, Rangala with the participation of 75 members, SL Army – 35, SL Navy – 18, SL Air Force – 16, and SL Police – 6. The DFP hosted following dignitaries and notable Antonians to represent the Sylvestrine Congregation, College Administration, Parent Body and the entire fraternity of St. Anthony’s College gracing the AGM:
Very Rev. Fr. Shamindra Jayawardena OSB – Conventual Prior, Sylvestro Benedictine Priory of Sri Lanka
Rev. Fr. Henry Wijeratne OSB – Principal, SACK
Mr. Mark Stephen – President SACKOBA Parent Body
Mr. Rohan Wijesinghe - President Colombo Br
Mr. Jude Pillai - Vice President Colombo Br
Mr. Udaya Jayasundara - Vice President Colombo Br
Mr. Narth Weerakoon – Immediate Past President, Parent Body
Mr. Rohan Daulagala - Past President Parent Body
Mr. Wilhelm Brown - Past President Colombo Br
The AGM elected its members for the Executive Committee and office bearers for the year 2022/2023 and total portfolio of the DFP is as follows:
Patron - Rev. Fr. Henry Wijeratne OSB
Immediate Past President - RAdm Kassapa Paul
President - AVM Janaka Amarasinghe
Vice President SL Army - Brig Thushan Ganepola
Vice President SL Navy - RAdm Anil Bowatte
Vice President SL Air Force - Gp Capt Rajive Pagoda
Vice President SL Police - DIG Nuwan Wedasinghe,
Secretary - Col Nuwan Gunawardana
Treasurer - Col Udena Weerasekara
Committee Members - Maj Gen Udayantha Wijeratne(Rtd)
SSP Athula Daulagala
Brig Eric Kulakulasooriya
Cmde Nilantha Hevawitharana
Cmde Upul Samarakoon
Col Sampath Bulathgama
Wg Cdr Niroshan Kiriwella
Executive Committee Meetings
The Executive Committee for the administrative year 2022/2023 held its regular meetings to decern and manage the activities of the DFP as given below:
30 November 2022 at SLAC Officers’ Mess, Rock House, Mutwal
11 January 2023 at Riffle Green Club SLAF, Slave Island
17 March 2023 at Senior Police Officers Mess, Colombo