Forty-nine commissioned officers begin Naval journeys in Trincomalee

Forty-nine midshipmen embarked on their Naval careers as commissioned officers on Sunday (28).

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena was the Chief Guest at the commissioning ceremony held at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee, at the invitation of Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

During this ceremony Naval officers, 28 Midshipmen of the 38th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and 21 Midshipmen of the 64th intake of Officer Cadets of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out at the NMA parade ground. At the end of the parade, trophies were awarded by the Prime Minister, to those who were outstanding in various disciplines during basic training. Accordingly, Midshipman H.R.L. Deminda of the 38th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University won the Sword of Honour, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman. He also won trophies for securing the highest aggregate in both professional and overall subjects. Meanwhile, female Midshipman K.L.D.S Tanya won the award for the Best Sports Performance and Midshipman D.M.P.S. Dassanayaka won the trophy for the Best Marksman.

In the 64th intake, the Sword of Honour and award for the Best Sportsman were won by Midshipman H.R.L. Perera. Midshipman D.U.M. Serasinghe won trophies for securing the highest aggregate in Professional Subjects, Overall Subjects and Nautical Subjects. The trophy for the Best Marksman was won by Midshipman M.U.S. Kumara.

The Prime Minister expressed his profound gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces as well as the Navy Commander for extending an invitation to him for the occasion.

He emphasized the pivotal role that the Armed Forces play in ensuring the security of our Motherland and the safety of our fellow citizens. Therefore, he underscored the profound responsibility the newly passed out officers now carry as members of the service entrusted with safeguarding the nation. Stressing the importance of discipline, the Prime Minister called upon the officers to contribute to the ongoing efforts in making the Sri Lanka Navy a professional and competent institution. Above all, the Prime Minister emphasized the paramount importance of safeguarding the Unity, Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty of the country.

He also emphasized the vital role of the Navy in safeguarding the country’s territorial waters, while also commending their invaluable contributions during natural disasters. Additionally, he underscored the importance of addressing new challenges posed by the prevention of harmful infiltration from the seas. The Prime Minister also emphasized the imperative of delving into innovative modern technology and pointed out the significance of continual professional growth, encouraging the new batch of officers to aspire to leadership roles.

The PM also emphasized the gratitude owed to those who made supreme sacrifices to protect our Motherland, urging the young officers to remember and honour their legacy.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support in inspiring their sons and daughters to embrace the noble career path of Naval service. Additionally, he extended appreciation to the Directing Staffs of KDU and NMA, recognizing their role in shaping and training these officers for the challenges that lie ahead.

Diplomatic corps, Eastern Province Governor Senthil Thondaman, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva and spouse, Navy Seva Vanitha Unit President Mala Lamahewa, Deputy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Vice Chancellor Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara (Retd), Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Suresh De Silva, Director Generals including Director General Training, Rear Admiral Rohitha Abeysinghe, Area Commanders, Executive Committee Members of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Commandant NMA, Commodore Buddhika Liyanagamage and flag-ranking officers, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Eastern Naval Command, senior officers of Sri Lanka Army and parents of newly commissioned officers were present.

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