Twenty three (23) SBS personnel pass out in Trincomalee

On successful completion of their training, nineteen (19) sailors and four (04) officers of the 26th intake of the Navy's Special Boats Squadron (SBS) passed out at the SBS Headquarters, Naval Dockyard in Trincomalee today (02^nd March).

The passing out cum insignia pinning ceremony was graced by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, as the Chief Guest. This impressive passing out ceremony which was held in a dignified manner was inclusive of a wide range of exercises and displays featured by SBS personnel exhibiting their hard earned skills and competencies.

Those who excelled during this arduous training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances. Accordingly, Sub Lieutenant WMNB Weerakkodi of the 26th SBS Intake, who gained the highest aggregate in overall subjects was adjudged the Most Excellent SBS Member. Ordinary Seaman ICB Jayasekara received the award for the Best Marksman. The award for the Best Sportsman was secured by Sub Lieutenant HDN Prashad. Meanwhile, Ordinary Seaman TGD Kumara won the award for the SBS Member with Highest Physical Endurance.

Going by the motto of the Special Boat Squadron, ‘Fortune Favours the Brave’, the elite force of the Sri Lanka Navy has been extremely influential in protecting the independence and territorial integrity of the island nation over the years. Moreover, they had tremendously contributed for the elimination of ruthless terrorism from the country, during the 3 decades of war that severely battered the country. Above all, the Special Boat Squadron is capable of confusing the enemy in unprecedented manner in clandestine operations disturbing the enemy’s war fighting capability and opening operational advantage to conventional forces. Further, it is always a force multiplier on land, sea or from air making the enemy fighting mechanism defenceless in the hands of skillful SBS personnel.

Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sumith Weerasinghe, Commanding Officer Special Boat Squadron, Commander (SBS) Thusitha Daminda, senior officers from the Naval Headquarters and Eastern Naval Area, parents of the passed out naval personnel and sailors were also present on this impressive occasion.