ත්රිකුණාමලය නාවික හා සාගරික විද්යාපීඨයේ මධ්ය නිලධාරීන් 61 ක් සහ ඉඳුරාම බඳවාගත් නිලධාරීන් 08 ක් අධිකාරියට පත් කිරීම හා විසිර යාම ගරු ජනාධිපතිතුමාගේ ප්රධානත්වයෙන්
assets/images/news/event_news/front_img/202512160900.jpgIn a grand ceremony marked by pride and tradition, 33 Midshipmen of the 40th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, 28 Midshipmen of the 65th Cadet Entry intake of Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA)and 08 officers of Direct Entry Course 03/2024 of the Sri Lanka Navy were commissioned into service and passed out at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee on 13 Dec 25. The ceremonial event was dignified by the presence of Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the President & Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest.
At the NMA parade ground, the Hon. President was received and escorted to the main dais by the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda along with the Commandant NMA. Following the according of the Presidential Guard, the President inspected the passed-out divisions. Subsequently, the Hon. President conferred awards upon the Midshipmen and Direct Entry officers who demonstrated exceptional performance during training, and presented swords to the newly-minted officers, signifying their right and duty to lead.
The following are notable achievements from respective intakes:
Direct Entry Course 03/2024
Sub Lieutenant PAGKS Bandara Best Sportsman
Addressing the newly groomed officers, the Hon. President commended them for choosing a disciplined career in the esteemed Sri Lanka Navy. He expressed the pride of their parents and the nation's hope that they would uphold the dignity of their service.
Outlining their duty, he noted the Navy safeguards approx. 1,340km coastline, a sea area eight times the landmass, and a search and rescue zone twenty-seven times larger. He highlighted the force's glorious history and sacrifices, charging the new officers to become its future leaders.
Despite economic challenges worsened by a recent natural disaster, the President urged determined rebuilding. He praised the Navy's disaster response, citing the rescue of 69 people in Kala Oya and honouring personnel who made the supreme sacrifice in a relief operation in Chalai Chundikulam.
The President also acknowledged the Navy's key role in the national anti-drug program and emphasized that national progress depends on every citizen fulfilling their duty. He concluded by wishing the officers a successful career, urging them to become exemplary in their responsibilities.
The glittering spectacle featured a drill display presented by sailors, followed by an impressive band display. The event culminated in a traditional sunset ceremony, adhering to cherished naval traditions.
The event was also attended by religious dignitaries, the Governor of the Eastern Province, Hon. Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), the Defence Secretary, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Vasu Bandu Edirisinghe, the Inspector General of Police, Attorney-at-Law Mr. Priyantha Weerasooriya, the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, the Board of Management of the Navy, the Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera, Area Commanders, Commandant NMA, Commodore Dinesh Bandara, flag-rank officers, officers from the Navy Headquarters and the Eastern Naval Command as well as distinguished invitees and parents of newly commissioned officers.
