34 midshipmen commissioned

Thirty-four midshipmen from the 39th intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and 25 midshipmen from the 66th cadet intake of the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, were commissioned at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee yesterday (11), the Navy stated.

Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Damian Fernando presided the ceremony.
Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasuriya and Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy Commodore Dinesh Bandara received the Commander of the Navy. The Commander of the Navy also presented awards and swords to the midshipmen who demonstrated outstanding performance during their training period.

Midshipman R.A.R.C. Ranasinghe received the award for the Best Technical Midshipman, Midshipman H.M.K.M. Bandara received the award for the Best Midshipman (Sword of Honour), Midshipman D.N.T.G. Nanayakkara received the award for the Midshipman with the Highest Marks in Professional Subjects, Midshipman W.K.D. Wijesinghe received the award for the Best Marksman, and Midshipman A.V.O. Athukorala received the award for the Best Sports Woman from the Commander of the Navy.

Addressing the ceremony, the Commander of the Navy emphasised that the new officers must perform their duties based on discipline, professionalism, and integrity while protecting the noble traditions and principles of the Navy.
Recalling a statement by General Sir John Kotelawala, he stated that leadership built upon education and values forms the foundation for securing the future of the country.

The ceremony concluded after a drill display by naval recruits, a performance by the Navy band, and the traditional sunset ritual.

The Maha Sangha, clergy from other religions, Chief of Staff of the Navy Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera, Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, senior officers, and parents of the commissioned officers attended the event.