Insignia bestowed on 33 RABS personnel

Thirty-three (33) naval personnel, including three (3) officers and thirty (30) sailors, were awarded their insignia today, 6 September 2026, following the successful completion of the 30th Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) Qualifying Course.

The distinguished ceremony took place at the RABS Headquarters parade ground in Gangewadiya, Puttalam. The Navy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera presided over the event as the chief guest, at the invitation of RABS Commanding Officer Captain Ranganath Weerasekara and Commander Northwestern Naval Area Rear Admiral Varuna Ferdinandusz.

The intensive six-month course covered theoretical and practical training in small boat operations, alongside humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) procedures. During the ceremony, Rear Admiral Tissera presented awards to top-performing trainees.

Lieutenant IDLS Madhuwasa - Best Boat Handler

Lieutenant IDLS Madhuwasa - Best Trainee

Leading Seaman CKT Chandrasekara - Best Lifesaver

Ordinary Seaman DMEV Dissanayake - Best Physically Fit Trainee

Addressing the gathering, the chief guest congratulated the naval personnel who successfully completed the training and reminded them of the unit's core values; courage, determination, discipline, and teamwork, guided by its motto, ‘Victory Beyond Infinity.’ He noted that post-war naval responsibilities have expanded to support national development, law enforcement agencies, and disaster response, referencing the squadron's recent role during the "Ditwah" emergency response operations.

In his address, Rear Admiral Tissera also acknowledged the unwavering support of the families of the RABS personnel competing the qualifying course, while also commending the directing staff for their dedication and contribution to the successful completion of the course.

The event featured a dynamic practical demonstration by the course participants, highlighting assault tactics against enemy targets and HADR deployment using small boats. A Bell 212 helicopter from the Sri Lanka Air Force also augmented the exercise.

The occasion was attended by Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva, Director General Training, Rear Admiral Ruwan Rupasena, Acting Director General Operations, Commodore Chaminda Karunasena, officers from the Navy Headquarters and Northwestern Naval Command, parents and dear ones of the passed out RABS personnel, and a group of school children from the area.