Passing out of 222nd regular intake of the Sri Lanka Navy

Three hundred and eighty-seven naval recruits belonging to the 222^nd regular intake of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out at SLNS Shiksa in Poonewa on 15^th August 2015. The Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe attended the event as the Chief Guest and took the salute. The Commandant of SLNS Shiksha, Captain Priyantha Perera, senior naval officers, parents, and well-wishers were also present on the occasion.

At the end of the colorful parade, trophies were awarded to those who were outstanding in various fields during the basic training. Recruit JMKGLG Gunaratne was adjudged the Best Recruit while Recruit LGP Sadaruwan was selected the recruit with the highest aggregate in all subjects. Recruit DHKDK Sirisena won the award for the Best Sportsman and Recruit EMNM Ekanayaka won the award for the Best Marksman.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Rear Admiral Ranasinghe stated that the SLN, being a professionally and technically developed naval force, played a very important role in eradicating the brutal terrorism that plagued the motherland for over three decades. Further, he said that the responsibility of ensuring the benefits of the hard-won peace for the future generation lies on the shoulders of those who passed out on completion of their naval training. On behalf of the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Ranasinghe expressed his gratitude to the parents for giving the consent to their beloved sons to join the Navy to render a noble service to the nation.