Passing out of Naval Recruits of the 225th Regular Intake of Sri Lanka Navy

Three hundred and twenty - eight naval recruits belonging to the 225thregular intake of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out at SLNS Shiksha in Poonewa today (02) after successful completion of their basic training. The Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardena attended the ceremony as the Chief Guest and took the salute. The Deputy Area Commander of North Central Naval Area Commodore Upul De Silva, the Commandant of SLNS Shiksha, Captain Asanga Ranasooriya, senior and junior naval officers, officers of the tri-forces and police in the area, parents and well-wishers were also present at the occasion.

The Passing Out Parade which was held in a dignified sequence comprised of an impressive drill display as well. The ceremony also saw the sailors, who were outstanding in various spheres during their basic training, were awarded for their exceptional skill and commitment. Recruit HPNB Premachandra was adjudged the Best Recruit and Recruit JAHS Jayakody was adjudged the Recruit obtaining the Highest Aggregate in all subjects. Recruit WMSM Dabarera won the award for the Best Sportsman and Recruit LWLMD Lokuwithana received the award for the Best Marksman. “Udara” Division was selected as the Best Division.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, Rear Admiral DC Gunawardena stated the paramount responsibility rested on the shoulders of the Sri Lanka Navy in safeguarding the territorial integrity of the nation. The battles fought by the Navy both at sea and on land as a professionally competent and technically efficient naval combating 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.

Further he emphasized the newly passed out sailors to make use of the knowledge, gained through their basic training and employ it in future assignments whilst adhering and preserving the age old traditions of the Sri Lanka Navy. Also the Area Commander reiterated that the young blooded sailors must serve the motherland with a lot of respect and dignity protecting the good name of the Sri Lanka Navy while serving the motherland. On behalf of the Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral DC Gunawardena also thanked the parents for giving the consent to their beloved children to serve the motherland with a noble resolve.