In celebration of World Children's Day, Commander of the Navy awards Rs. 200,000/= & a scholarship to Malaka who had excelled in Grade 5 Scholarship Exam

In celebration of the World Children’s Day, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayantha Perera presented Malaka Nethmal Thilakeratne, who had obtained the second highest marks at this year’s Grade 5 Scholarship Examination, a cash award of Rs. 100,000/= from the Naval Social Responsibility Fund along with another cash award of Rs. 100,000/= given in memory of the late Lieutenant Commander Anjana Tikiri Bandara Dissanayake of the 14th Regular Naval Officer Intake, who had sacrificed his life in the defence of the Motherland during the humanitarian operation. The Navy Seva Vanitha Unit President, Mrs. Shalika Perera also awarded Malaka a scholarship, enabling him to pursue his higher studies in a school of his choice.

The Chief of Staff of the Navy Rear Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Director General Services Rear Admiral Rohan Perera and the Commander Western Naval Area Rear Admiral Dayananda Nanayakkara, senior officers and senior members of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit were also present on the occasion to convey their best wishes to Malaka on his examination success at the special event held at the Naval Headquarters on 01st October 2014.

Under the patronage of the President, the NSVU has organized a series of special events including a handicraft exhibition and a children carnival to celebrate this year’s World Children’s Day. Malaka’s feat incidentally has added extra colour to this year’s celebrations as it has brought credit to the entire Naval Family, which is a closely knit network that shares the joy and happiness of its members, extending support to the welfare of all naval families.

Malaka is the eldest son of Leading Seaman HMGC Thilakeratne who serves onboard Inshore Patrol Craft P146 attached to SLNS Buwaneke of the North Central Naval Command. He is a student of Polonnaruwa Royal College and scored 198 out of 200 marks at the Grade 5 Scholarship examination held in August 2014.

Leading Seaman Thilakeratne, a resident of Polonnaruwa, is today a proud father, feeling elated at the success of his beloved son. He conveyed his heart-felt gratitude to the Commander of the Navy for the generosity shown to his son on a day dedicated to the children of the entire world and stated that he is forever grateful to the Navy for the strength given and the assistance extended to him and his family.