History of Clay Target Shooting Club of Colombo
The idea of constructing a Clay Target Shooting Range was first discussed on 20thDecember, 2004 at the Council Meeting of the National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka of which Mr. Shirantha Peries was an office bearer, as Vice President, shotgun. Unfortunately, the NRA was unable to pursue the matter owing to lack of funds and a venue required to build a Skeet/Trap Range. When in search of a venue, Mr. Indrajith Fernando who owns St. Joseph Estate in Payagala, offered an area to Shirantha, as they were childhood friends who patronized the property every week-end as school boys, organizing sital trips, camp outs and fishing trips to the property.
Having obtained the land from Indrajith, Shirantha took up the challenge to build a Range with his own funds because of his love for the sport and being an enthusiastic shooter himself. A well laid out Trap and Skeet Range that conforms to International Standards was built in a very short period.
It took a while to obtain the required approvals and eventually, Defence Ministry approval was granted on 18th September, 2007. Thus, the Trap and Skeet shooting range became a reality at Hirugalgodella, Payagala in Kalutara. The “Clay Target Shooting Club of Colombo” was incorporated and was duly affiliated to the National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka. With the formation of the National Shooting Sport Federation of Sri Lanka, the Club became an affiliate in 2006.
With a current membership of 51, the Club is has been functioning actively from its inception in 2006. ‘Club days’ are held regularly and are well attended by members and their guests. One of the main objectives of the Club to develop Trap and Skeet shooting in Sri Lanka in order to raise the standard of Sri Lankan shooters, to international levels.
The President
Shirantha Peries is a founder member of CTSCC and has been the President of the Club from its inception. He is a highly accomplished shooter and regular participant in Olympic Skeet, Automatic Trap and Sporting events. He has won many awards in several local and international events.
Additionally, Shirantha has
- Successfully completed Course of Instruction for Range Officials and "C" Jury Judges Course at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi from 4th to 13th January, 2003.
- Passed the A.S.C.Practical coaching courses (Shotgun discipline) in 2006 in Kuwait.
- A Diploma in the 1st Asian Practical Coaching Course for Skeet, Trap and Double Trap.
- Participated in Singapore Open Shooting Championships from 10th to 18th July 2010.
- A ISSF B License Coaching certificate and at present, he is the only person in Sri Lanka to hold this certificate.
Shirantha is currently, the President of the National Shooting Sport Federation of Sri Lanka.
NEW OFFICE BEARERS OF CLAY TARGET SHOOTING CLUB OF COLOMBO APPOINTED AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 15TH AUGUST 2020