After completion of their basic training, 337 recruits of Regular and 45 recruits of Volunteer Naval Forces of the Sri Lanka Navy, belonging to the 253rd intake, passed out in a colourful ceremony held at the main parade ground of SLNS Shiksha, Poonewa today (07th March 2024).
The ceremony held in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions was graced by the Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Naleen Nawarathna, at the invitation of Commandant and Commanding Officer of SLNS Shiksha, Captain Nissanka Wickramasinghe. Those recruits who remained outstanding in the basic training period, received awards from the Chief Guest, in recognition of their excellent performances.
Accordingly, Recruit HSIA Premasiri was adjudged the Best Recruit of the 253rd intake and Recruit JKN Lakshan won the award for the Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in all subjects. The trophy for the Best Sportsman was won by Recruit YMDPB Yaparathna. Meanwhile, Recruit DMP Jeewantha secured the award for the Best Marksman. The ‘Suranimala’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 253rd intake.
In his address to the recruits, the Chief Guest began by congratulating them on their remarkable achievement. He also shared his happiness at being invited as the Chief Guest for the passing out parade of the 253rd intake, which includes 382 recruits. Adding further, he stated that going forward, the new batch of sailors will be tasked with fulfilling the responsibilities of a professional navy in a country that has been liberated from the threat of terrorism for three decades. He also emphasized that they should be committed to serving their country with excellence, demonstrating efficiency and discipline, while understand their responsibilities and directly contribute to the country’s development goals.
The Sri Lanka Navy plays a vital role in safeguarding the country’s national security by protecting its extensive ocean territory, securing aquatic resources, and ensuring the safety of navigation and search and rescue operations in Sri Lanka’s Search and Rescue Region, he opined. He also emphasized that sailors joining the Navy should take pride in being patriotic Sri Lankans, recognizing the significant responsibility they have undertaken to serve their country and remaining dedicated to fulfilling that duty. Finally, Rear Admiral Naleen Navarathna thanked the parents of the newly passed out sailors for entrusting their sons and daughters to the Navy to serve the nation.
The colourful spectacle also featured a vibrant drill display presented by the newly passed out recruits and entertaining performances of the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe.
Deputy Area Commander Commodore Thushara Udugama, Director Naval Training Commodore Buddhika Jayaweera, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and North Central Naval Command, officers and sailors of SLNS Shiksha, as well as parents of newly passed out recruits were present on this occasion.
