36 Midshipmen commissioned as Naval Officers at Naval & Maritime Academy in Trincomalee
 

Upon completion of their basic training, thirty four (34) Midshipmen belonging to the 58^th Cadet Entry intake and two (02) Midshipmen of the 56^th Cadet Entry intake passed out at a colourful commissioning parade held at the main parade ground of the Naval & Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee yesterday (07^th December). The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr. Hemasiri Fernando graced this occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute.

Venerable Maha Sangha, religious dignitaries of other faith, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, Navy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, Vice Chancellor General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Jagath Ranasinghe, Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunga, Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sumith Weerasinghe, Commandant Naval & Maritime Academy, Commodore Kalana Jinadasa, Director Generals of the Navy, Area Commanders, senior officers from the Naval Headquarters and the Eastern Naval Command, senior officers from the sister services and Police and near and dear ones of newly passed out officers were also present on this occasion.

The under trainees who excelled during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances. Accordingly, Midshipman DMPB Abeysekara stole the limelight of the occasion being conferred with the Sword of Honour, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman of the 58th Cadet Entry intake. He also secured the awards for the highest aggregate in overall subjects, professional subjects and nautical subjects. The award for the Best Sportsman was clinched by Midshipman HAM Silva. Meanwhile, Midshipman BA Wijewickrama was adjudged the Best Marksman. Addressing the august gathering the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence expressed that he is honoured to be invited as the Chief Guest of this Commissioning Parade. While congratulating the newly commissioned officers of the Sri Lanka Navy, Mr. Fernando also being thankful to the proud parents of those officers for encouraging their sons to serve our beloved motherland.

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 pass-outs were 20 officers of the Executive Branch, 03 officers belonging to the Engineering Branch, 06 officers of the Logistics Branch, 03 officers belonging to the Electrical & Electronic Branch and 04 officers of the Provost Branch.