Eighty-one Midshipmen pass out at Naval & Maritime Academy in Trincomalee
 

Eighty-one Midshipmen belonging to the 53^rd Cadet Entry Intake on completion of their strenuous training at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee as well as onboard various naval ships were commissioned at a colourful commissioning parade held at the main parade ground of the NMA on 02^nd February 2016. His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Maithripala Sirisena graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute at the invitation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne.

Addressing the gathering, His Excellency the President stated that just as the newly commissioned naval officers have high aspirations of their career ahead, the nation too has high expectations of them. As potential naval officers, they will be leading the tomorrow’s Navy: a tomorrow full of challenges and a great deal of responsibility. Being as island-nation the Navy is our first line of defence. The President expressed his confidence that the new naval officers will be groomed well and succeed in discharging their duties diligently

The Governor of the Eastern Province, Hon. Austin Fernando, the Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Hon. Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Neil Rosayro, Director Generals of the Navy, the Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy, Commodore Nandana Jayarathne, senior officers representing tri-services and Police, parents and well-wishers were also present at the commissioning ceremony held in keeping with the time-honoured customs and traditions of the Navy.

Those who excelled during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances. Accordingly, Midshipman DMHD Wimalarathne, who gained the highest aggregate in both overall subjects and professional subjects, was conferred with the Sword of Honour, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman. Midshipman KSP Perera won the award for the highest aggregate in nautical subjects. Midshipman NW Lokuliyana received the award for the Best Sportsman and Midshipman CPS WIckramawardhane won the award for the Best Marksman.

The event concluded with a spectacular cultural performance presented by the Navy Cultural Troupe and a band display of the Navy band followed by a colourful sunset.