EVENT NEWS › 2026

Marching into service: 269 Navy recruits pass out with pride through portals of SLNS Shiksha

05 Jul 2026

Safeguarding the nation's maritime frontiers with renewed vigor, 269 recruits of the 264th intake of the Regular and Volunteer Naval Forces successfully completed their basic training and passed out in a spectacular ceremony held at the main parade ground of SLNS Shiksha in Poonewa on 04th July 2026. The glamorous event was graced by the Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, as the Chief Guest.

The Navy continues to offer sons and daughters of the nation who seek a challenging career a golden opportunity to serve the motherland across a diverse array of professional fields. Inspired by this prestigious calling, 249 regular and 20 volunteer recruits embarked on their journey of service by joining the Sri Lanka Navy.

The recruits who remained outstanding in the basic training period, received awards from the Chief Guest, in recognition of their excellent performances.

Award winners;

  • Best Recruit   -  Recruit MDPH Dissanayake
  • Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in All Subjects   -  Recruit SA Thalpage
  • Best Sportsman (Men)   -  Recruit P Kamson
  • Best Sportsman (Women)   -  Woman Recruit HAA Ruwanthika
  • Best Marksman   -  Recruit NMDL Nawarathna
  • Best Division   -  "Ranajaya" Division

Addressing the new batch of sailors, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage stated that by choosing a naval career after completing their school education, they had embarked on a noble path of service to the nation. He urged them to uphold the highest standards of discipline, continually enhance their knowledge and skills, and remain vigilant against any attempts to misuse their specialised training.

He further highlighted that the Navy's role extends beyond safeguarding the nation's maritime borders to protecting Sri Lanka's maritime zones and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), conserving marine resources, ensuring safe navigation, conducting search and rescue operations, and responding to natural disasters.

The Chief Guest also expressed gratitude to the parents for entrusting their children to the service of the nation and encouraged them to continue supporting the young sailors throughout their careers.

The colourful passing out parade was further enlivened by a spectacular drill display executed by the recruits, followed by captivating performances from the Navy Band, the Cultural Troupe, and a thrilling martial arts demonstration by the Navy ‘Angam Haramba’ Pool. The day drew to a close in keeping with time-honored naval traditions through the ceremonial Sunset ritual.

The ceremony was attended by the Commander North Central Naval Area, officers from the Navy Headquarters and North Central Naval Command, as well as the proud family members of the new batch of sailors.

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