Three hundred and ninety five recruits belonging to the 249th intake of the Regular and Volunteer Naval Forces passed out in a colourful ceremony held at the parade ground of SLNS Nipuna in Boossa on Thursday.
Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Harindra Ekanayake was the Chief Guest at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer of SLNS Nipuna, Captain Jayanath De Silva. Recruits who excelled during their basic training period received awards.
Among the newly passed out recruits were 345 from the Regular Naval Force and 50 from the Volunteer Naval Force. In addition, the intake also comprised 17 women recruits. Recruit I.B. Tennakoon was adjudged the Best Recruit of the 249th intake. Recruit R.M.A. Madushan won the award for the Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in overall subjects. Recruit R.M.M.M.K. Rathnayake won the awards for Best Sportsman and the award for the Best Marksman was won by Recruit G.C.T. Gunathilake. The ‘Gotabaya’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 249th intake.
Rear Admiral Harindra Ekanayake said that the Sri Lanka Navy had played a crucial role during the war against terrorism and protecting the Motherland. Therefore, it was the responsibility of the new recruits to pass that hard-won peace to succeeding generations. He also underlined the responsibility that lies on the shoulders of naval personnel especially in protecting the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while ensuring economic stability and freeing the Motherland from the drug menace.
The Rear Admiral while expressing his best wishes to the new recruits and extended his gratitude to the proud parents and loved ones of them for encouraging their sons and daughters to choose a noble profession.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Commandant and Directing Staff of SLNS Nipuna in moulding the recruits to become capable naval personnel.
A drill display was also presented by the newly passed out recruits while the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe were also in attendance.
Members of Ven. Maha Sangha, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Southern Naval Command, officers and sailors of SLNS Nipuna, as well as parents of newly passed out recruits were present on this occasion.
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