Sixty-four (64) Midshipmen embark on their naval careers as commissioned officers in Trincomalee

The commissioning of Midshipmen of the 36th and 37th intakes of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and 62nd and 63rd intakes of Officer Cadets of Sri Lanka Navy was held at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee on 15th December 2022. At the invitation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the ceremony was graced by the Chief of Naval Staff of India, Admiral R Hari Kumar.

During this memorable ceremony of prospective naval officers, 22 Midshipmen of the 36th and 37th intakes of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and 42 Midshipmen of the 62nd and 63rd intakes of Officer Cadets of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out amidst the applause of their parents and well-wishers, following the commissioning parade held in a dignified sequence at the NMA main parade ground.

At the end of the colorful parade, trophies were awarded by the Chief of Naval Staff of India, to those who were outstanding in various disciplines during basic training. Lady Midshipman DMSP Jayalath of the 37th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University won the Sword of Honour, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman. He also won trophies for securing the highest aggregate in both professional and overall subjects. Meanwhile, Midshipman AASS Bandara won the award for the Best Sportsman and Lady Midshipman MN Madushani won the trophy for the Best Marksman.

In the 63rd intake, the Sword of Honour and award for the Best Sportsman were won by Midshipman PMKHS Senavirathna. Midshipman TMDM Tennakoon won the trophy for the highest aggregate in overall subjects and Midshipman DGS Avandya won the trophy for the highest aggregate in professional subjects. Midshipman RPNN Rajapaksha took the award for the highest aggregate in Nautical Subjects. The trophy for the Best Marksman was won by Midshipman RANAJ Ranasinghe.

Addressing the newly commissioned naval officers, Admiral R Hari Kumar at the outset expressed his best wishes to them and said that it was a privilege to participate in the commissioning ceremony as the Chief Guest. For that, he expressed his profound gratitude to Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

Adding further, he said that the passing out was not just about formal completion of training but it was also a reflection of trainees’ capabilities competence character and caliber. Thus, he appreciated the commendable effort of the Commandant and the Directing Staff of NMA for transforming these young minds and bodies.

Further, Admiral R Hari Kumar mentioned that a person in the military was different from the ones in other professions in the world. Therefore, the parent of the commissioned officers should be proud of their children, he further opined.

Reminiscing similar emotions, as he stood in front cadets at the National Defence Academy in India, Chief of Naval Staff of India said that Sri Lankan cadets were mingling well with fellow course mates from India and from other foreign countries. Such partnerships speak volumes of the deep bond that we all share among us, he added. Reminding of contemporary security challenges, he went on to say that there is an environment where multiple frontiers have to be secured or defended. Therefore, he underlined the importance of cohesion stems from deep cultural linkages and bonds of friendship between two countries.

In closing, he reminded the prospective officers to be good leaders to the team, Navy and to be committed for secure and prosperous tomorrow of the nation. Again, he was thankful to the Commander of the Navy for inviting him to review the parade.

The glittering spectacle concluded with a spectacular cultural performance presented by the Navy Cultural Troupe and a Band Display followed by a ceremonial sunset held in accordance with time-honoured naval customs.

The President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Chandima Ulugetenne, the spouse of Chief of Naval Staff of India, Mrs Kala Hari Kumar, diplomatic corps, Chief of staff of the Navy Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera, Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, Director General Training, Rear Admiral Mahinda Mahawatte, Director Generals, Area Commanders, executive Committee Members of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Commandant NMA, Commodore Damian Fernando, flag rank officers, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Eastern Naval Command, senior officers from sister services and Police, distinguished invitees and parents of newly commissioned officers were present on this occasion.