Three hundred and thirty three (333) well-groomed recruits of 247th intake pass out through the portals of SLNS Shiksha

After successful completion of their basic training, three hundred and thirty three (333) recruits of the 247th intake of Sri Lanka Navy’s Regular and Volunteer Forces, passed out in a colourful ceremony held at the main parade ground of SLNS Shiksha, Poonewa on 01st October 2022.

The ceremony was graced by the Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Prasanna Mahavithana, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of the Commandant cum Commanding Officer of SLNS Shiksha, Captain Aruna Weerasinghe. Those recruits who remained outstanding in the basic training period, received awards from the Chief Guest, in recognition of their excellent performances.

Accordingly, Recruit SUL De Silva was adjudged the Best Recruit of the 247th intake and Recruit PGSW Hemantha won the award for the Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in all subjects. Meanwhile, Recruit WAR Lakshan clinched the award for the Best Marksman where the trophy for the Best Sportsman went to Recruit JVD Kaumadu. The ‘Wasabha’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 247th intake.

Addressing the newly passed out recruits, Director General Operations congratulated them for the successful completion of their basic training. In his address, Rear Admiral Prasanna Mahavithana underlined the responsibility lies on the shoulders of the Sri Lanka Navy in preserving the security in Sri Lanka’s waters and especially respond to eventualities faced by naval and fishing communities in the Search and Rescue Region (SRR) of Sri Lanka which is almost twenty seven times (27) of the land mass. Adding further, he underlined the significant role played by the Navy in nation building efforts and anti-drug operations being carried out across the island, utilizing its assets in an efficient manner. Thus, he urged the newly passed out recruits to apply themselves in this noble profession, committing them resolutely to fulfill the duties and tasks of the Navy in the future. He also expressed his gratitude to the parents as well as near and dear ones of the new batch of recruits, for giving the consent to their beloved children to serve the motherland with a noble resolve.

The dignified ceremony was made more attractive by a drill display presented by newly passed out recruits as well as scintillating performances of the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe.

Members of Ven. Maha Sangha, Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Pradeep Rathnayake, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and North Central Naval Command, officers and sailors of SLNS Shiksha and parents of newly passed out recruits were also present on this occasion.