Inter-command Drill Competition concludes at SLNS Shiksha

The Inter-command Drill Competition came to a successful end at the main parade ground of SLNS Shiksha in Poonewa today (05th November 2022). The final round of the competition was graced by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne as the Chief Guest.

The incumbent Commander of the Navy is the brainchild of the Inter-command Drill Competition and he mooted the idea to the Navy Headquarters in 2010, as he was holding the appointment of the Director Naval Weapons. Thus, the notion has been put into practice since 2011and this year saw the 10th edition of the Inter-command Drill Competition. 09 teams representing the Eastern, Western, Northern, Northwestern, North Central, Fleet, Southern, Southeastern and Training Commands as well as a (01) team representing women sailors participated in this year’s competition, showcasing their pride and discipline.

Those naval personnel who were outstanding in naval drills throughout the competition received awards from the Commander of the Navy, in recognition of their dedication. Accordingly, the overall championship of Inter-command Drill Competition was won by the Southern Naval Command. Meanwhile, the Training Command clinched the runner-up title. The trophy for the Best Commander of the tournament was won by Lieutenant Commander Moditha Abeykoon from the Fleet Command. Master Chief Petty Officer WAA Rangana was adjudged the Best Drill Instructor. Further, Leading Seaman KA Karunathilake was awarded as the naval person with best drills.

Addressing the distinguished gathering, Commander of the Navy said that drill was the bedrock of discipline and it was of great support in handling naval personnel as a disciplined group. Adding further, he went on to say that drills contribute to uplifting the self-esteem and self-confidence of every military person and that will earn recognition for armed force personnel in the society. Commander of the Navy also emphasized that drills will play a part when it comes to the physical fitness and smart look of servicemen with the uniform.

On this occasion Commander of the Navy fondly recalled about Master Chief Petty Officer Karunaratne, Fleet Chief Petty Officer Rathnathunga and Leading Seaman Amith who trained his intake of officer cadets in 1985. He urged the naval personnel who participated in this Inter-command Drill Competition to further improve their professionalism and join the training of officers, as Drill Instructors.

Commander of the Navy also heaped praise on the winning Command, the achievers, the instructors who trained the competitors and the officers who supervised them and wished them best of luck to achieve their ambitions in naval career. Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne never forgot to express his gratitude to the officers of the Sri Lanka Army and Air Force and Drill Instructors for their assistance in the selection of the team with best drills.

Commander of the Navy also admired Director General Operations, Director Naval Weapons and senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and North Central Naval Command for their efforts in the successful conduct of Inter-command Drill Competition.

Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Prasad Kariyapperuma, a group of senior naval officers from the Navy Headquarters and the North Central Naval Command and sailors were also present on this occasion to witness this exciting competition.