Four hundred and thirty two (432) recruits pass out through the portals of SLNS Shiksha

On successful completion of their basic naval training, a total of 432 recruits successfully passed out in a vibrant ceremony held at the main parade ground of SLNS Shiksha in Poonewa on 06 Dec 25. The recruits, belonging to the 261st intake, comprised 376 personnel from the Regular Naval Force and 56 from the Volunteer Naval Force, marking another milestone in the Navy’s commitment to strengthening maritime defence. The event was graced by the Commandant Naval Infantry, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ranaweera at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer SLNS Shiksha, Captain Sagara Udayanga.

Having chosen a challenging yet noble career, these recruits will now be deployed across various branches of the Sri Lanka Navy, contributing to national security through maritime operations.

Those recruits who remained outstanding in the basic training period, received awards from the Chief Guest, in recognition of their excellent performances. Recruit MHAHMH Arachchi was adjudged the Best Recruit of the 261st intake. Meanwhile, Woman Recruit MAER Kotagama won the award for the Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in all subjects. The trophy for the Best Sportsman (men’s) was won by Recruit YMUGIJ Bandara and Best Sportsman (women’s) was won by Woman Recruit TS Nimalarathna. Meanwhile, Recruit RMCSB Rathnathilaka and Woman Recruit RMAVC Rathnayake won the awards for the Best Marksman and Woman respectively. The ‘Samudura’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 261st intake.

In his address, the Chief Guest extended congratulations to the newly passed out sailors and reminded them of their solemn duty towards the nation. He went on to say that the new bunch of sailors has commenced a noble career, demonstrating the courage, discipline and resilience required for a distinguished service. Reminding of them of the plethora of opportunities in the Navy in their journey ahead, he urged the newly passed out sailors to serve with excellence, while contributing to the national development and upholding security interests of the motherland.

The Chief Guest expressed profound gratitude to the parents and guardians of the recruits for their unwavering support and for encouraging their children to choose a patriotic and honourable career in the Navy. Rear Admiral Ranaweera also heaped praise on the Directing Staff of SLNS Shiksha, for shaping the recruits to become competent individuals.

Among the distinguished participants of the event were; the Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Indika De Silva, Director Naval Training, Commodore Manjula Hewa Battage, Director Naval Personnel, Commodore Manoj Leelarathna, flag-rank officers, Training Commander SLNS Shiksha, officers from the Navy Headquarters and North Central Naval Command, invited guests, sailors and parents of passed-out recruits.