Three hundred and sixty-seven (367) recruits of 256th intake of Regular and Volunteer Naval Forces pass out in Boossa

After completion of their basic training, 219 recruits of Regular and 148 recruits of Volunteer Naval Forces of the Sri Lanka Navy, belonging to the 256th intake, passed out in a colourful ceremony held at the main parade ground of SLNS Nipuna, Boossa on 11 Feb 25.

The ceremony held in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions was graced by the Director General (Naval and Air Operations), Rear Admiral Thushara Udugama, at the invitation of Commandant and Commanding Officer of SLNS Nipuna, Captain Lohitha De Silva. Those recruits who remained outstanding in the basic training period, received awards from the Chief Guest, in recognition of their excellent performances.

Recruit BL Gonawardana has been adjudged the Best Recruit of the 256th intake, standing out among 202 recruits and 17 women recruits from the Regular Naval Force, as well as 75 recruits and 73 women recruits from the Volunteer Naval Force. Meanwhile, Woman Recruit WLS Madushani won the award for the Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in all subjects. The trophy for the Best Sportsman (men’s) was won by Recruit BHAS Weerasuriya and Best Sportsman (women’s) was won by Woman Recruit RMSS Rathnayaka. Meanwhile, Recruit GJDR Jayalath secured the award for the Best Marksman. The ‘Vijayaba’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 256th intake.

In his address to the recruits, the Chief Guest congratulated the young-blooded men on their remarkable achievement. He further stated that the newly passed out recruits, who successfully completed the rigorous and challenging basic training with pride, would soon take on significant responsibilities in the professional naval force, driven by the noble goal of safeguarding their motherland. He also urged the new batch of sailors to serve the motherland with dedication, discipline, and resilience, understanding their duty to protect its sovereignty and support national development. Rear Admiral Udugama also expressed his gratitude to the parents of the newly passed out recruits for placing their trust in the Navy by allowing their sons and daughters to serve the nation.

The colourful spectacle also featured a vibrant drill display presented by the newly passed out recruits, entertaining performances of the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe and a display of old Sri Lankan martial art ‘Angam Haramba’. The proceedings of the passing out parade came to an end with the ceremonial sunset.

The Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Rajapriya Serasinghe, Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya, Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy, Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph, flag rank officers, officers from the Southern Naval Command as well as parents of newly passed out recruits were present on this occasion.