395 recruits of 249th intake of Sri Lanka Navy ready to serve after successful completion of basic training
On successful completion of their basic training, three hundred and ninety five (395) recruits belong to the 249th intake of the Regular and Volunteer Naval Forces passed out in a colourful ceremony held at the parade ground of SLNS Nipuna in Boossa on 05th January 2023.
The ceremony held in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions was graced by Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Harindra Ekanayake as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer of SLNS Nipuna, Captain Jayanath De Silva. During the ceremony, the recruits who remained outstanding in their basic training period, received awards in recognition of their excellent performances.
Among the newly passed out recruits were 345 from the Regular Naval Force and 50 from the Volunteer Naval Force. In addition, the intake also comprised 17 women recruits. Recruit IB Tennakoon was adjudged the Best Recruit of the 249th intake. Meanwhile, Recruit RMA Madushan won the award for the Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in overall subjects. Recruit RMMMK Rathnayake won the award for the Best Sportsman and the award for the Best Marksman was won by Recruit GCT Gunathilake. The ‘Gotabaya’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 249th intake.
Addressing the young blooded recruits, Rear Admiral Harindra Ekanayake congratulated them for becoming proud members of the esteemed Sri Lanka Navy. Adding more, he said that Sri Lanka Navy had played a noteworthy role for the freedom of the motherland and it was the responsibility of the new recruits to pass that hard-won peace to succeeding generations. He also underlined the responsibility lies on the shoulders of naval personnel especially in protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland, ensuring the economic stability of the country and freeing the motherland from the menace of drugs.
Rear Admiral Harindra Ekanayake also expressed his best wishes to the new bunch of recruits and extended his gratitude to the proud parents and loved ones of them for encouraging their sons and daughters to choose a noble profession. The Chief Guest also did not forget to appreciate the efforts of the Commandant and Directing Staff of SLNS Nipuna in moulding these recruits to capable naval personnel.
The colourful spectacle also featured a vibrant drill display presented by the newly passed out recruits and entertaining performances of the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe.
Members of Ven. Maha Sangha, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Southern Naval Command, officers and sailors of SLNS Nipuna, as well as parents of newly passed out recruits were present on this occasion.
