Three hundred and eighty-five naval recruits belonging to the 224^th regular intake of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out at SLNS Shiksha in Poonewa on 22^nd January 2016. The Director General Services, Rear Admiral Eric Jayakody attended the event as the Chief Guest and took the salute. The Deputy Area Commander North Central Naval Area, Commodore, Upul De Silva, the Commandant of SLNS Shiksha, Captain Asanga Ranasuriya, 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 HS Wanniarachchi was adjudged the Best Recruit and Recruit HNR Prasangika was adjudged the Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in all subjects. Recruit DMDK Nawarathne won the award for the Best Sportsman and Recruit KPT Dilshan won the award for the Best Marksman. Pandukabhaya Division was selected the Best Division.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Rear Admiral Jayakody stated that the Navy has an immense responsibility to protect the motherland being and island-nation. The battles fought by the Navy both at sea and on land as a professionally competent and technically efficient naval force immensely helped to uproot the brutal terrorism which had gripped the entire nation. As such, he requested the new recruits to be mindful of their bounden duty to safeguard the hard won peace for the benefit of the future generations while being proud of the opportunity of joining a victorious navy. On behalf of the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Jayakody also thanked the parents for giving the consent to their beloved sons to serve the motherland with a noble resolve.