The Special Boat Squadron (SBS) celebrated the completion of Course No. 33 at its Trincomalee Headquarters on 10 April 2026.
Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, attended the insignia awarding and passing out ceremony at the invitation of SBS Commanding Officer, Commander Lakmal Weerakkodi.
The ceremony honoured 24 sailors who finished the rigorous training program. After the pinning of insignias, Vice Admiral Banagoda presented awards to those who excelled during the course.
Distinguished Award Winners
·Ordinary Seaman WSA Fernando: Received the Commander SNK Silva Memorial Trophy (Highest Aggregate), Chief Petty Officer KG Shantha Memorial Trophy (Best Sportsman), and Lieutenant Commander SW Gallage Memorial SBS Dagger (Most Excellent SBS Member).
·Ordinary Seaman JMRP Jayathilaka: Received the Commander CD Martenstyn Memorial Trophy (Best Marksman).
·Ordinary Seaman PS Jayawardana: Received the Lieutenant Commander SK Dalugama Memorial Trophy (Highest Physical Endurance).
·Ordinary Seaman SET Sumathirathna: Received the Lieutenant Commander TD Palihena Memorial Trophy (Best Swimmer).
The newly passed out personnel represent a message of profound responsibility rather than just victory, according to Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.
He thanked the instructors and parents while noting that the Navy remains committed to the "A Nation United" mission to combat drug trafficking.
The event included a live demonstration of land, air, and sea capabilities at Nicholson Cove, featuring a parachute display led by Commander Kamal Tissa Kumara.
Attendees included Deputy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera, Commander Eastern Naval Area Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya, and senior officers from the tri-services.
