New batch of 458 Navy recruits completes training in Boossa

In a vibrant ceremony, a total of four hundred and fifty-eight (458) recruits from the 254th intake of the Sri Lanka Navy's Regular and Volunteer Forces passed out at the main parade ground of SLNS Nipuna, Boossa on 14th June 2024. Among these recruits, 355 belonged to the Regular Force, while the remaining 103 were from the Volunteer Force of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The ceremony was graced by the Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nalindra Jayasinghe, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer of SLNS Nipuna, Captain Chaminda Gunarathna. The recruits who demonstrated exceptional performance during their basic training were acknowledged for their outstanding achievements through awards presented by the Chief Guest.

The 254th intake of the Sri Lanka Navy included a total of 274 sailors and 81 women sailors from the Regular Force as well as 37 sailors and 66 women sailors from the Volunteer Force. Among them, Recruit EAMLS Jayasinghe earned the prestigious trophy for Best Recruit. Woman Recruit PAPM Peramuna won the award for the Highest Aggregate in All Subjects. Meanwhile, Recruit WMPKM Dissanayake won the award for the Best Marksman. The awards for the Best Sportsman/ woman were won by Recruit NHWK Dissanayake and Women Recruit WANA Weerapperuma. The ‘Sagara’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 254th intake.

In his address to the recruits, Rear Admiral Nalindra Jayasinghe congratulated the recruits on their successful completion of training. Further, he emphasized the importance of embodying the qualities of a proficient and disciplined sailor in order to effectively serve in a technologically advanced Navy. This dedication is crucial in safeguarding the motherland and ensuring that the hard-won freedom is passed down to future generations, he opined.

Rear Admiral Nalindra Jayasinghe emphasized that it is the duty of every naval person to diligently fulfill their assigned responsibilities, especially in managing the challenges posed by economic hardships. He also said that the newly passed out sailors must apply the discipline they have acquired during their training and dedicate themselves to fulfilling any responsibilities entrusted to them by the Navy in the future. Finally, he also took the opportunity to express his gratitude to the parents of the newly passed out recruits, for giving their consent for their children to join the Navy.

Newly passed out recruits added to the splendour of the dignified ceremony through their drill display, while the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe provided dazzling performances, making the event even more appealing.

Members of Venerable Maha Sangha, Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Deputy Area Commander, Commodore Indika Gunawardena, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Southern Naval Command, officers of SLNS Nipuna, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy WMGA Kumara and sailors as well as parents of newly passed out naval personnel were present on this occasion.