Thirty-eight (38) freshly minted officers embark on a voyage of duty and honour in Trincomalee

In a grand ceremony marked by pride and tradition, 15 midshipmen and 23 officers of the Sri Lanka Navy were commissioned into service at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee on 26 Jul 25. The event, held at the NMA parade ground, celebrated the culmination of training and the beginning of a noble career dedicated to safeguarding the nation.

The newly commissioned officers comprised diverse intakes, reflecting the Navy’s commitment to excellence and diversity. Among them were 13 Midshipmen from the 38th intake (Technical) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU), 23 officers from the 2023 and 2024 Direct Entry intakes and 02 Midshipmen from the 63rd intake of Officer Cadets who completed their training abroad. At the invitation of Commandant NMA, Commodore Dinesh Bandara, the occasion was graced by the distinguished presence of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, accompanied by the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Anusha Banagoda.

After inspection of divisions, the Commander of the Navy awarded trophies to the top achievers of respective intakes. Accordingly, Midshipman RWTS Waduge was adjudged the Best Technical Officer of the 38th intake (Technical) of KDU. Meanwhile, the awards for the Best Marksman of the 02/2023 and 03/2024 Direct Entry intakes were secured by Acting Sub Lieutenant GGDK Dayarathna and Acting Sub Lieutenant TMPD Tennakoon respectively.

Upon receiving their commission, which was a moment of great honour, pride and identity, the new batch of officers passed through the portals of the NMA parade ground amidst the applause of their parents and well-wishers.

The Commander of the Navy, addressing the commissioning ceremony of new batch of naval officers as the Chief Guest, stated it was an honour to grace the occasion. He emphasized that joining the Sri Lanka Navy is a commitment to serve the motherland with pride and distinction, especially during a crucial period in the nation’s history that demands unwavering dedication. Highlighting the qualities of decisiveness, initiative, and leading by example, he urged the officers to inspire their teams while upholding integrity to achieve national goals. Expressing confidence in their capabilities, he also thanked parents for supporting their children’s noble career choice and commended the Naval & Maritime Academy’s Commandant and Directing Staff for shaping these officers.

The glittering spectacle featured a vibrant cultural performance by the Navy Cultural Troupe, 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 diplomatic corps, former Commander of the Navy, Admiral Priyantha Perera (Retd), Vice Chancellor of KDU, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara (Retd), Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, Deputy Chief of Staff, Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Chandima Silva, Area Commanders including Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera, members of the Navy's Board of Management including Director General Training, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardana, 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.