Sri Lanka: Commissioning Parade of 27th KDU Intake & 51st Cadet Entry Intake Held at NMA

Commissioning Parade of 27th KDU Intake & 51st Cadet Entry Intake Held at NMA

The Commissioning Parade of the 27th KDU Intake and the 51st Cadet Entry Intake was held at the main parade ground of the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee on 16th August 2013.

Eighty-five midshipmen comprising 37 from the 27th KDU Intake and 48 from the 51st Intake passed out under flood lights at the colourful event concluded with a ceremonial sunset.

Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake took the salute after inspecting the Parade as the Chief Guest. Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage accompanied by Navy Seva Vanitha Unit President, Mrs. Srima Colombage graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour. Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe, Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy Commodore Ruwan Perera, senior naval officers, senior officers of the Army, Air Force and Police in the area, parents and well-wishers were also present on the occasion.

The Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) of the Sri Lanka Navy is the first defence academy in the country to be awarded the prestigious ISO 9001:2000 as well as 9001:2008 quality management system certifications from the Sri Lanka Standards Institution.  The academy is accredited to the University of Kelaniya for Officer Under Trainees to be awarded degrees in naval studies. Established on 15th January 1967, it has also been awarded with the President’s Colours in recognition of the service it has rendered for the training of heroic officers and sailors whose tireless dedication and fearless sacrifice have immensely contributed to the preservation of sovereignty and the defence of the motherland. It is considered a rare privilege to undergo and complete one’s naval training from such a distinguished institution.

At the commissioning parade, which was held in keeping with the time-honored traditions and customs of the Sri Lanka Navy, the newly commissioned officers marched in a proud and elegant manner captivating the audience who had gathered to witness the momentous event. Those who showed excellence during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their outstanding performances.

In the 27th KDU Intake, Lady Midshipman KDPM Kathriarachchi was adjudged the Best Midshipman. She also won the award for the Midshipman obtaining the highest aggregate in professional subjects. For her outstanding overall performance, she was conferred with the “Sword of Honour” which enabled her to create a proud milestone in the annals of the illustrious SLN history becoming the first ever Lady Midshipman to be awarded the coveted honour. The award for the Midshipman obtaining the highest aggregate in overall subjects was won by Midshipman WAIM Jayasingha. Midshipman AMAP Jayawardena was adjudged the Best Sportsman while Midshipman AMTDL Marasingha was adjudged the Best Marksman.

In the 51st Cadet Entry Intake, Midshipman YDL Mahesh was adjudged the Best Midshipman and was conferred with the “Sword of Honour”. Midshipman RPSS Jayasingha showing exceptional talents went on to clinch triple honours. He won the awards for the Midshipman obtaining the highest aggregates in overall subjects, professional subjects as well as nautical subjects. Midshipman AE Daminda was adjudged the Best Sportsman while Midshipman SMDAG Vimukthi was adjudged the Best Marksman.

The event concluded with a well-executed drill display followed by a captivating band display and a colourful cultural performance presented by the Navy Cultural Troupe.

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Press Release, August 19, 2013; Image: Sri Lanka Navy