Thirteen (13) Marine personnel pass out on successful completion of training

The insignia awarding to 04 officers and 09 sailors of the 08th intake of Sri Lanka Navy Marines, who successfully completed their training, was held at the main parade ground of SLNS Vidura in Sampoor, Trincomalee on 27th February 2023. The ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief of Staff and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, at the invitation of the Commandant SLNS Vidura, Captain Rohan Dissanayake.

Established in 2016 with 164 personnel, Sri Lanka Navy Marines have become a formidable force comprising 603 Marines, both officers and sailors, who belong to 08 intakes including the latest one.

The 08th intake which included 19 naval personnel who willingly joined this arduous Marine Training which was conducted over a period of nine (09) months. On successful completion of training 13 naval personnel earned the prestigious Marine Insignia from Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, the Chief Guest of the event. He also presented trophies to the naval personnel who excelled in training. As such, Lieutenant BA Wijayawickrama (Best Marine), Lieutenant WGS Dimantha (Marine with Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects), Able Seaman NSASM Senarath (Marine with Best Physical Fitness) and Able Seaman NP Chalaka (Best Marksman) received respective awards at the dignified event. The occasion also featured a spectacular display of Navy Marines' abilities and talents.

Addressing the newly passed out Navy Marines, Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake at the outset congratulated them for their achievement. Meanwhile, he also urged the group of naval personnel to contribute to the preservation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland, make use of this training to work with courage and determination in the profession as well as in personal life, be prepared to face any challenge head on as armed force personnel and to hone own skills through knowledge and training.

On this occasion, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Director General Operations also expressed his profound gratitude to Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Heads of Departments, the Commandant and Directing Staff of SLNS Vidura for their contribution in various capacities for the successful conduct of training. In addition, he was thankful to the Special Boat Squadron, Rapid Action Boat Squadron, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force and the Police for enabling special training opportunities.

Commander Eastern Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Director General Civil Engineering, Rear Admiral Ranjan Medagoda, Director Marine, Commodore Sanath Pitigala, Commanding Officer SLNS Vidura Commander (Marine) Sampath Dayananda, senior and junior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Eastern Naval Command, senior officers from sister services, and a group of parents of newly passed out Marine personnel were present on the occasion.