Three hundred and sixty-three (363) recruits pass out with pride in Boossa
Marking the culmination of their basic training, 305 recruits of the Regular and 58 recruits of the Volunteer Naval Forces of the Sri Lanka Navy, marched out with pride in a vibrant passing out parade held at the main parade ground of SLNS Nipuna, Boossa on 13 Feb 26.
The ceremony held in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions was graced by the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of Commandant and Commanding Officer of SLNS Nipuna, Captain Rasika Piyasena.
The Sri Lanka Navy continues its proud tradition of harnessing the nation's youth potential by welcoming a new cohort of recruits. Under the 262nd intake, a total of 363 dynamic young men and women shaped their budding careers at SLNS Nipuna. The recruits who remained outstanding in the basic training period, received awards from the Chief Guest, in recognition of their excellent performances.
Award winners:
Best Recruit - Recruit HKHI Jayawardana
Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in All Subjects - Woman Recruit PGKS Gamage
Best Sportsman (Men) - Recruit IPB Ilangama
Best Sportsman (Women) - Woman Recruit HAT Tathsarani
Best Marksman (Men) - Recruit RMPRM Bandara
Best Marksman (Women) - Woman Recruit PMCU De Silva
Best Division - “Yasodara”
In his address to the recruits, the Chief Guest congratulated the young-blooded men and women on their remarkable achievement. He further emphasized the Sri Lanka Navy's vital role in national security. Further, he said that the responsibility of preserving and passing on the freedom, won through enormous sacrifices, now rests with them.
He urged the recruits to continually update their skills with evolving global technology for the Navy's advancement. The Navy expects them to navigate professional and personal challenges, uphold national sovereignty, and bring honour to the force, he opined.
The Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara also thanked the recruits' parents for gifting the Navy with disciplined, energetic sons and daughters dedicated to defending the nation, and acknowledged the directing staff for their invaluable contributions.
The colourful spectacle also featured a vibrant drill display presented by the newly passed out recruits, entertaining performances of the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe and a display of old Sri Lankan martial art ‘Angam Haramba’. The proceedings of the passing out parade came to an end with the ceremonial sunset.
The Commander Southern Naval Area & Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardana, Officers from the Southern Naval Command and Navy Headquarters as well as parents of newly passed out recruits were present on this occasion.
