Book on ‘TEACHER TO THE NAVY’ launched at Admiral Somathilaka Dissanayake Auditorium
 

A book launching ceremony for the book, ‘TEACHER TO THE NAVY’ compiled by Dr. Ajith C.S. Perera, got underway at the Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake Auditorium Friday evening (02). This valuable publication encompasses eulogies from friends, colleagues and former students forwarded on the passing away of late Instructor Commander (retd) MGS Perera, the founding father of the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA). The book was compiled by his loving son in memory of his dearest farther.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne graced the book launching ceremony as the Chief Guest and the first copy of the book was presented to him by the author. Addressing the gathering, the Navy Chief reflected on his own memoires as an Officer Cadet at the Naval and Maritime Academy and accounted the gradual progress made the by the institution over the years. Also sharing his experience as a former Commandant of the NMA, Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne stated that the shells that fell at the NMA, following an indiscriminate artillery barrage by the LTTE in the early phases of humanitarian operation in 2006, had enough impetus to churn the determination of all ranks and rates of the Navy to totally defeat LTTE terrorists. 

Further, stressing upon a quote made by Field Marshal Sir Philip Chetwode, founding the Indian Military Academy in Delhi, he asserted that “the safety, honour and welfare of the country comes first and always; your men under your command that safety, honour and welfare of your men comes next; your own safety, honour and welfare comes last and every time”.  The Navy Commander in retrospect also paid tribute to the gallant deeds made by the ranks and rates, calibrated into fine men at the Navy’s premier training institution.  The electronic version of the book was also officially launched by the  Commander of the Navy at the event.

The ceremony coincided with the birth centenary of late Instructor Commander (retd) MGS Perera (01 June) and the Golden Jubilee (50^th anniversary) of the premier seat of learning of the Navy (15^th July 1967).

Former Navy Commanders Admiral DB Gunasekara, Adm DAMR Samarasekara, Adm HCAC Tissera, Adm DWK Sandagiri were also present at the occasion. Also present at the occasion were the 20^th Commander of the Army, General (retd) Daya Rathnayake; the Chief of Staff of Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe; Deputy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral NBJ Rosayro  and Flag Rank officers of  the Navy.