Nineteen (19) naval personnel excelled in physical fitness tests recognized

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne felicitated 19 naval personnel, who excelled in physical fitness tests, during a ceremony held in this regard at the Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake Auditorium today (07th September 2022). In accordance with the Physical Fitness Policy of the Sri Lanka Navy, these nineteen (19) naval personnel were recognized from dedicated fitness tests held in August 2022. The achievers also received prizes, certificates and insignia during the ceremony presided by Commander of the Navy.

Physical fitness is important to naval personnel as it maintains good health, helps keep members in shape, and enables them to be productive on the job. With a view to further improving these aspects, the Navy’s Physical Fitness Policy was introduced for the first time in 2021, going by a concept of Commander of the Navy. As an extension of that timely initiative, a cash incentive programme was introduced on 01st July 2022 to promote the value of physical fitness among naval personnel.

The special physical fitness test in this regard was held under 07 age groups on 02nd and 03rd August 2022 with the participation of naval personnel who represented all branches of the Navy. The naval personnel who proved worthy to be recognized in the test were awarded prizes and certificates. In recognition of their achievements, Commander of the Navy also pinned Physical Fitness Insignia on their uniforms today.

The physical fitness tests were held under 03 categories which covered the 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40 – 44, 45-49 and 50-54 age groups. Accordingly, Ordinary Seaman (Physical Training Instructor) AGSG Bandara and Women Able Seaman (Physical Training Instructor), RSDI Senarathna (18-24), Leading Seaman (Physical Training Instructor), HN Jayasinghe (25-29), Petty Officer (Physical Training Instructor), GMSK Galagodapitiya (35 – 39), Petty Officer (Physical Training Instructor), AGNM Rathnasiri and Women Chief Petty Officer (Physical Training Instructor), KA Sarika (40 – 44) were recognized at the Physical Standard Evaluation Test – (PSET).

Meanwhile the Physical Endurance Test – (PET) category was dominated by Midshipman PMKHS Senavirathna (18-24), Sub Lieutenant AGRHN Athapaththu (25-29), Leading Seaman (VNF) BRTM Sumanasiri (30-34), Fleet Chief Petty Officer (VNF) KA Kumara (35-39), Petty Officer (VNF) JHMCB Jayasundara (40-44), Master Chief Petty Officer (VNF) DDH Bandara (45-49), Commodore (L) JU Gunaseela (50-54).

In the High Intensity Physical Endurance Test (HIPET), Able Seaman (SBS) NP Wickramasinghe (18-24), Able Seaman (SBS) IDK Madusanka (25-29), Leading Seaman (Marine) GC Amarasinghe (30-34), Chief Petty Officer (SBS) WMSA Bandara (35-39), Chief Petty Officer (Div) MMCA Manathunga (40-44) and Commander (CDO) HBNH Balasooriya (45-49) were recognized.

Those naval personnel, whom were selected under 03 categories of tests, were rewarded with cash prizes ranging from Rs. 75,000 to 100,000 as well as certificates. In addition, they were awarded a special insignia which can be worn on their uniforms.

The physical fitness tests for the selection of naval personnel is held in the month of July each year. Initiatives of this nature not only provides cash incentives to naval personnel but also optimize mental and physical performance and make them more resilient and capable on their jobs.

This occasion was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera, Director Generals, Commander Western Naval Area and a group of officers and sailors from the Navy Headquarters and Western Naval Command.