Naval and Maritime Academy celebrates her Golden Jubilee today
 

The Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee, which was commissioned on 15th July 1967 as a premier training establishment in the Sri Lanka Navy, completes fifty years of her glorious journey today (July,15). The commemorative Golden Jubilee Celebrations were graced by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, as the Chief Guest.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, ceremonial launching of the book titled ‘COURSE MADE GOOD, DESTINATION EXCELLENCE’ also came into being at the Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda Auditorium, NMA. The first copy of the book was presented to the Commander of the Navy by the Commandant – Naval and Maritime Academy, Commodore Rohitha Perera. Subsequently, the rest of the distinguished invitees were also presented with a copy of this publication.

The occasion was attended by the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Yamuna Wijegunaratne, Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Travis Sinniah, former Commanders of the Navy, their spouses, Director Generals, senior officers and a host of distinguished invitees.

Instructor Commander MGS Perera, the Founding Father of the Naval and Maritime Academy happened to be the final chieftain of the very first training establishment of the Sri Lanka Navy, HMCyS ‘Rangalla’. As a result of the leadership, wreath of Knowledge and experience of Instructor Commander MGS Perera, the NMA got its humble beginning a half century ago.

When the Naval and Maritime Academy formally commissioned on 15th July 1967 there were only five departments; Nautical, Engineering, Electrical, Communication and Supply Department. The nautical school was created under four pillars namely Gunnery, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Seamanship and Navigation. As at today, there are 22 schools and 02 training supporting units in the Naval & Maritime Academy to conduct its training, and has the capacity to train 2000 trainees including both officers and sailors. Further it possesses state of the art library with over 21,000 books and other publications written on diverse subjects. With the passage of time, in year 1992 the Sub Technical Course was inaugurated at the NMA and Lieutenant Commander (N) TMJ Mendis was its first Officer Training Officer.

The NMA possesses not only modern training facilities, but also modern sports facilities for Tennis, Golf, Volleyball, Basketball, Cricket, Handball, Boxing, Rugby, Football, Hockey, Archery, Sailing and Rowing. In addition, there are indoor courts for Badminton and Table Tennis and an air conditioned Squash Court. The swimming pool is of international standards. The air-conditioned fully equipped Gymnasium consists of a power gym, a cardiac gym and a Yoga Room. Besides, the air-conditioned main Auditorium is equipped with ‘state-of-the-art’ light and Dolby sound system including multimedia facilities in a bid to improve the aesthetic sense and valued of the under trainees.

The Naval and Maritime Academy is the first military training institute that was awarded with the International Quality Management Certification ISO 9001: 2000 by the Sri Lanka Standards Institution in the year 2007, and it was upgraded to ISO 9001: 2008 in the year 2010, and ISO 9001:2015 in the year 2016. Moreover, certain sailor training courses conducted at the Academy, have been recognized by the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission for the award of National Vocational Qualification Level 3 and 4. (NVQ)

The NMA, premier seat of learning of the Sri Lanka Navy upon completing a remarkable voyage of 50 years, will continue to set sails to pass a lot more milestones in the future during her ceaseless journey for excellence.