Seventy Five (75) Midshipmen commissioned as Naval Officers at Naval & Maritime Academy in Trincomalee
 

Seventy Five (75) Midshipmen belonging to the 31^st and 32^nd (Technical) intakes of the Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and 57^th Cadet Entry intake, on successful completion of their basic training, were commissioned at a colourful commissioning parade held at the main parade ground of the Naval & Maritime Academy (NMA) on 14th July. The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe graced this awe-inspiring occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute.

 Venerable Maha Sangha, religious dignitaries of other faiths, the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sumith Weerasinghe, Director Generals, Area Commanders, the Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy, Commodore Kalana Jinadasa, senior officers attached to the Naval Headquarters and Eastern Naval Command, high ranking officers from the tri-services and Police, Training officers of Army and Air Force, parents and well-wishers were also present at the commissioning ceremony held in compliance with centuries old naval traditions.

 The under trainees who excelled during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances. Accordingly, Midshipman MMCM Moramudali of the 31^st (Technical) intake of KDU won the award for achieving highest aggregate in overall subjects. Meanwhile, Midshipman PAST Perera of the 32^nd intake of KDU was conferred with the Sword of Honour, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman. Midshipman TGDP Purnimal secured the award for the highest aggregate in overall subjects and Lady Midshipman GUYR Jayawardena won the award for achieving the highest aggregate in professional subjects. The award for the Best Sportsman was clinched by Lady Midshipman SAGK Satharasinghe and Midshipman RU Liyanage was adjudged the Best Marksman of the 32^nd KDU intake. By the same token, Midshipman YADSS Yapa of the 57^th Cadet Entry intake was conferred with the Sword of Honour, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman and midshipman with highest aggregate in overall subjects. Meanwhile, the awards for the highest aggregate in professional subjects and nautical subjects were won by Midshipman KGDR Namalgamuwa. Besides, Midshipmen NPD De Silva and PHSC Lakshitha won the awards for the Best Sportsman and Best Marksman respectively.

  Addressing the gathering, the Commander of the Navy extended his best wishes to the new bunch of naval officers who received prestigious commissioning and joined Sri Lanka Navy with the noble motive of serving the motherland. Further, he urged them to serve the Navy with honour, dedication and integrity in view of realizing the national goals and objectives shouldered by the sea going arm. Before expressing his gratitude to the parents of newly passed out naval officers, for giving their consent to their sons and daughters for a distinguished service, Vice Admiral Ranasinghe also reminded the young officers of the importance of being a true gentleman of the service, whilst preserving age-old naval traditions.

 The event concluded with a spectacular cultural performance presented by the Navy Cultural Troupe and a band display of the Navy musical ensemble followed by a colourful sunset. Among the 75 pass-outs were 26 officers from the 31^st KDU intake (Technical), 28 officers from the 32^nd KDU intake and 21 officers from the 57^th Cadet Entry intake.