Thirty nine Midshipmen commissioned as Naval Officers at Naval & Maritime Academy in Trincomalee
 

Thirty nine Midshipmen belonging to the 54th and 56th Cadet Entry Intakes and 31st Intake of Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, on successful completion of their basic training at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee as well as onboard various naval ships, were commissioned at a colourful commissioning parade held at the main parade ground of the NMA on 18th December 2017. Hon. Kapila Waidyaratne PC, Secretary to the Minister of Defence graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute at the invitation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe.

Addressing the gathering, Hon. Secretary of Defence stated that, the same way newly commissioned naval officers have high aspirations of their career ahead, the nation too has high expectations of them. As potential naval officers, they will be leading the tomorrow’s Navy: a tomorrow full of challenges and a great deal of responsibility. Being an island-nation the Navy is our first line of defence, he added further. The Secretary of Defence also expressed his confidence that the new naval officers will be groomed well and succeed in discharging their duties diligently.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nimal Sarathsena, Director Generals, Area Commanders of the Navy, the Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy, Commodore Kassapa Paul, 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

Those who excelled during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances. Accordingly, Midshipman KL Madhumadawa was conferred with the Sword of Honour, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman. He also secured the award for the Best Sportsman. Midshipman SPYDA Subasinghe won the awards for highest aggregate in both overall subjects and professional subjects and Best Marksman. Midshipman PHN Nirosha received the award for the highest aggregate in nautical subjects.

The event concluded with a spectacular cultural performance presented by the Navy Cultural Troupe and a band display of the Navy band followed by a colourful sunset. Among the 39 pass-outs were 02 officers from the 54th Intake, 05 officers from the 31st Intake of the KDU and 32 officers from the 56th Intake.