New wave of strength: 410 Navy recruits pass out in Boossa

The Sri Lanka Navy marked another proud milestone as 410 recruits from the 258th and 259th intakes successfully completed their basic training in a dignified ceremony at the parade ground of SLNS Nipuna in Boossa on 18 Jul 25. Among the newly passed out sailors were 368 Regular Naval Force personnel and 42 from the Volunteer Naval Force, reinforcing the Navy’s mission to strengthen maritime defence. The event was graced by the Deputy Chief of Staff cum Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer SLNS Nipuna, Captain Lohitha De Silva.

Embarking on a demanding yet honorable career, these newly trained personnel will now be assigned to various branches of the Sri Lanka Navy, where they will play a vital role in safeguarding national security and supporting maritime operations. The passed-out batches comprised 368 personnel from the Regular Naval Force, including 165 male recruits and 203 women recruits as well as 42 personnel from the Volunteer Naval Force, with 12 male recruits and 30 women recruits.

The top-performing recruits from the basic training programme were recognized with awards by the Chief Guest in recognition of their exceptional achievements. The recipients were as follows.

258th intake

Recruit KADJ Karasinghe Best Recruit & Highest Aggregate in All Subjects

Recruit RGCC Dharmadasa Best Sportsman

Recruit PGAIS Abeyrathna Best Marksman

Pandukabhaya Best Division

259th intake

Woman Recruit JSS Jayakody Best Recruit (Women’s)

Woman Recruit SST Ranaweera Highest Aggregate in All Subjects

Woman Recruit DMI Chathuri Best Sportsman (Women’s)

Woman Recruit WPPPS Jayawardana Best Marksman (Women’s)

Mahamaya Best Division

In his address, the Chief Guest extended his congratulations to the newly passed out sailors and reminded them of their solemn duty towards the nation. Emphasizing the importance of integrity and dedication, he urged them to contribute to nation-building efforts and uphold the highest standards of service. He also expressed profound gratitude to the parents and guardians of the new batch of naval personnel for their unwavering support and for encouraging their children to choose a patriotic and honourable career in the Navy. Moreover, he heaped praise on the Directing Staff of SLNS Nipuna, for shaping the recruits to become competent individuals.

The colourful spectacle also featured a vibrant drill display presented by the 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.

Among the distinguished participants of the event were; the Commander Southern Naval Area and Chief Hydrographer of Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya, Director General Training, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardana, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Southern Naval Command, invited guests, sailors and parents of passed-out sailors.