Two hundred and twenty two officer cadets of the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) were commissioned as second lieutenants in a ceremony steeped in military tradition, at the SLMA in Diyatalawa, on Saturday (21).
Deputy Defence Minister Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), who was chief guest at the Passing Out Parade, addressing the newly commissioned officers said, “The greatest treasure of a country is its citizens, and your first and foremost duty is to protect them. This responsibility must remain deeply ingrained in your mind. It is your primary obligation to safeguard their lives.”
“You all shoulder a responsibility greater than any ordinary duty. Your sheer dedication, leadership skills, and self-discipline will be invaluable for the restoration and progress of the nation in the years ahead.
“The ruling party received two huge mandates – in September and then November and the President and the Government would provide the correct political leadership at all levels.”
“On behalf of the President, who is also the Defence Minister, I would like to appreciate your decision to join the war-winning Army. The commission you received is a precious and glorious achievement.
“You have joined the Army at a time the country is facing different challenges. In spite of eradication of terrorism 15 years ago, we need to maintain security and defence to meet any eventuality,” he said.
The Deputy Minister also underscored the critical role of military training and the immense responsibility entrusted to the newly commissioned officers. He praised the contributions of the Armed Forces in liberating the country from crisis situations and emphasised the officers’ readiness to face the challenges of nation-building and addressing emerging global threats, while also mentioning the Sri Lankan troops serving overseas missions under UN command and performing well over the years.
He further expressed his confidence in the knowledge gained, training received, and attitude cultivated during their time at the SLMA, which would enable the young officers to fulfill their noble duty to their motherland with honour and distinction.
The Deputy Minister also expressed his gratitude to the parents of the newly commissioned second lieutenants for supporting their significant decision, even during peacetime.
Among the newly commissioned officers, 203 are male cadets, and 19 are female cadets. The batch also includes 10 foreign officer cadets from Kenya, Uganda, Gambia and Zambia. Additionally, 13 Sri Lankan officer cadets who completed their overseas training at prestigious institutions such as the National Defence Academy and Officers Training Academy in India, and the Bangladesh Military Academy and Pakistan Military Academy, were also commissioned.
The day’s proceedings commenced with the chief guest being received by Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), along with Army Commander Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage and SLMA Commandant Maj. Gen. Sylvester Perera. Upholding the tradition of honouring fallen heroes, the chief guest laid a floral tribute at the SLMA War Memorial, paying homage to the sacrifices of the nation’s war heroes.
The Deputy Defence Minister also graced the graduating Officer Cadets’ final presentation at the Sri Lanka Military Academy’s ‘Sino–Lanka Friendship’ Auditorium. The research, titled “Threats Posed by Transnational Crimes to Sri Lanka and South Asia: The Role of Security Forces’, was commended by the Deputy Minister for its significance in addressing national and regional security challenges.
The Sri Lanka Military Academy, the nation’s prestigious seat of military learning, continues to contribute tirelessly to the development of leaders for the Army. These newly commissioned officers will now embark on their journey to meet the nation-building challenges and address emerging security needs.
The ceremony was attended by senior officers including the Chief of Staff of the Army, Defence Attaches, officers, parents of the newly commissioned officers, and well-wishers.
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