Passing out of 223rd regular intake of the Sri Lanka Navy

Three hundred and sixty-six naval recruits belonging to the 223rd regular intake of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out at SLNS Nipuna in Boossa on 17th October 2015. The Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha Ranasinghe attended the event as the Chief Guest and took the salute. The Commandant of SLNS Nipuna, Commodore Nilantha Heenatigala, 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 GGSS Premachandra was adjudged the Best Recruit and Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in all subjects. Recruit HMNN Herath won the award for the Best Sportsman and Recruit KWGD Keerthirathna won the award for the Best Marksman. Weeraya Division was selected the Best Division.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Rear Admiral Ranasinghe stated that the naval personnel who passed out on successful completion of a six-month basic training must consider it a privilege to be able to join the Navy to contribute to its future mission having imbibed with a high sense of discipline and professionalism. He also expressed his firm expectation that they would bring honour to the motherland and the Navy being exemplary members of the society and make their parants proud of their valuable service to the country. On behalf of the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Ranasinghe also thanked the parents for giving the consent to their beloved sons to join the Navy.