Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy Chief Guest at the POP held in Trincomalee
 

At an impressive Passing Out Parade (POP) held at the main parade ground of the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee today (11th June), Midshipman belonging to the 30th (Technical and IT) and 31st intakes of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), 55th Cadet Entry and candidates of the 01/2016 Service Entry, passed out as Commissioned Naval Officers of the Sri Lanka Navy. The Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute at the invitation of the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne.

The inspiring and smartly turned out parade mark the culmination of strenuous training of respective batches conducted at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), the primer seat of learning of the Sri Lanka Navy. Accordingly, 40 Midshipmen of the 30th (Technical and IT), 23 Midshipmen of 31st  KDU intakes, 15 Midshipmen from the 55th Cadet Entry along with 14 Service Entry candidates marched through the portals of NMA on a majestic note, marking one of the most memorable milestone in their naval career.

Addressing the august gathering the Pakistan Navy Chief expressed his joy to be present and Chief Guest at this memorable occasion. He extended his deep sense of gratitude to the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy for inviting him to this prestigious and colourful ceremony. While congratulating the newly commissioned officers of the Sri Lanka Navy, Admiral Zakaullah also being thankful to the proud parents of those officers for giving their strong support in achieving this cherished goal of their beloved children.

He also emphasized the young blooded officers being passed out today, the pivotal responsibility vested on them being proud members of a victorious Navy. Meanwhile, the Pakistan Navy Chief urged them to lead from the front, be physically robust and retain composure in challenging situations. He also reminded the prospective naval leaders that, while discharging duties the interest of the state and the service remained first and foremost.

Recollecting the historical and longstanding ties between two countries, the Pakistan Navy Chief opined that the cooperation between the two neighbouring countries were based on mutual respect, shared values and common interests. Further he pledged support aimed at promoting peace and maritime order for the betterment of global commons. Admiral Zakaullah also congratulated the Naval and Maritime Academy that is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
 
Religious dignitaries including Venerable Mahasangha, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne, Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Travis Sinniah, Naval Area Commanders, Director Generals of the Navy, 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.

The Midshipmen and Service Entry candidates who excelled during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their meritorious performances. Accordingly, the below mentioned prospective officers were recognized for their excellent performances displayed in academic and related fields.

Meanwhile, the Service Entry candidate RWGDS Thilakarathna was awarded with the Memorial Sword for being nominated as the best Service Entry candidate.

The glittering ceremony culminated with the dazzling cultural performance presented by the Navy Cultural Troupe and a band display of the Navy band followed by a colourful sunset.