Forty four Midshipmen pass out through the portals of Naval & Maritime Academy in Trincomalee

At an impressive Commissioning Parade held at the main parade ground of the Naval and Maritime Academy, the premier seat of learning of the Sri Lanka Navy, in Trincomalee today (03), 44 Midshipmen belonging to the 29th (Technical) and 30th intakes of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) passed out as Commissioned Naval Officers of the Sri Lanka Navy. The Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Honourable Ranil Wickramasinghe graced the occasion as the chief guest and took the salute at the invitation of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne.

Addressing the gathering, the Honourable Prime Minister expressed that the newly commissioned officers would take pride in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of motherland whilst upholding the customary traditions and norms of the Sri Lanka Navy. Further the Prime Minister insisted the young naval officers to be leaders of exemplary character keeping the interests of the nation always ahead of them. Also the Prime Minister extended his great debt of gratitude to the parents and loved ones of the commissioned officers for giving them the encouragement to serve the motherland.

Minister of Law & Order and Southern Development Hon. Sagala Ratnayake, the State Minister of Defence, Hon Ruwan Wijayawardena, the Governor of the Eastern Province, Hon. Austin Fernando, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Yamuna Wijegunaratne, the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Neil Rosayro, Director Generals of the Navy, the Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy, Commodore Nandana Jayarathne, senior officers representing tri-services and Police, parents and well-wishers were also present at the commissioning ceremony held in keeping with the time-honoured customs and traditions of the Navy.

The Midshipmen of 30th intake who excelled during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their meritorious performances. Accordingly, Midshipman IS Premarathna who obtained the highest aggregate in both overall subjects and professional subjects was conferred with the Sward of Honour having being adjudged the Best Midshipman. Meanwhile Midshipman LHMI Haggala was adjudged the Best Marksman and the award for the Best Sportsman was won by Midshipman HMYN Senarathne.

The glittering ceremony culminated with the dazzling cultural performance presented by the Navy Cultural Troupe and a band display of the Navy band followed by a colourful ceremonial sunset.