"Aspire to Excel in the Promising Future"- commander of the Navy

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage was the Chief Guest at the Commissioning Parade of the 27^th KDU Intake (Technical officers) and the 28^th KDU Intake (Executive and Supply officers), which was held at the main parade ground of the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee on 08th March 2014. Thirty- five midshipmen comprising 17 from the 27^th KDU Intake and 18 from the 28th KDU Intake passed out under flood lights at the colourful event concluded with a ceremonial sun set.

The Commander of the Navy took the salute after inspecting the parade. Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe, Director General Training, Rear Admiral Udaya Bandara, Commandant NMA, Commodore Ruwan Perera, Senior Naval Officers, parents and well wishers were also present on the occasion.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the Commander of the Navy stated that they were being commissioned at a time of maritime renaissance when the strategically located island-nation is aspiring to achieve its rightful hub status in the economically important Indian Ocean under the visionary leadership of His Excellency the President. The Navy they are being commissioned into is renowned the world over for the great battle victories accomplished on the high seas under the guidance of the far-sighted Secretary of Defence. As such, the Commander emphasized, they, as proud members of a victorious Navy, should strive to give their very best to fulfill the national objectives as our future lies in the ocean, which holds the key to the economic prosperity in the 21^st century.

At the commissioning parade held in keeping with the time-honored tradition and customs of the Sri Lanka Navy, the newly commissioned officers marched in a proud and elegant manner captivating the audience who had gathered to witness the momentous event. Those who excelled in performance during training were presented with special awards. In the 28^th KDU Intake, Midshipman SAIA Subasinghe was adjudged the Best Midshipman as well as the Best marksman. The award for the midshipman obtaining the highest aggregate in overall subjects was won by Midshipman IDMSM Tennakoon while Midshipman BP Karunathilake won the award for the midshipman with the highest aggregate in professional subjects.

The event concluded with a well-executed drill display followed by a captivating band display. The Navy Cultural Troupe's performance added colour to the occasion.