Marking the culmination of their basic training, RABS personnel pass out in Kalpitiya
 

Five (5) officers and twenty four (24) sailors belonging to the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) on successful completion of their basic training, pass out at the main parade ground of RABS Headquarters in Kalpitiya today (June,30). The passing out cum insignia pinning ceremony was graced by the Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva.

This batch of RABS personnel will remain to be the first of its class to complete 8 months of training on two different extremes. Accordingly, the trainees were immersed in a combative spirit of training making use of Cedric Boats, the pioneer force of small boat concept. Further, the course participants also obtained comprehensive training on relief and rescue missions that are carried out during flood situations, in view of protecting the public and their property.

In recognition of the training excellence, the course participants were presented with special awards. Incidentally, the award for the Best Trainee was won by Lieutenant AN Wickramasuriya. Lieutenant SWS Jayasinghe was recognized for his exceptional skills displayed in Boat Handling. Meanwhile, Able Seaman BGBN Bandara and Able Seaman PI Premarathna received awards for the trainee with Highest Endurance and Best Lifesaver respectively.

Following the passing out ceremony, the spectators were entertained with a special war display presented by the RABS personnel who successfully completed the training. In addition, they also conducted a mock relief and rescue exercise being executed in a flash flood situation. The expertise the trainees mastered during the course of study has been exceedingly used in these exercises.

Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rasika Dissanayaka, senior officers from the Naval Headquarters and Northwestern Naval Command and family members of the passed out RABS personnel attended this occasion.