A total of 269 Recruits from the 264 Intake of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out completing their basic training. The graduating group consisted of 249 regular recruits and 20 volunteer recruits.

Marking the occasion a passing-out parade was held yesterday (4) at the SLNS Shiksha in Poonewa.

Commander of the Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, attended the ceremony as the chief guest.

During the event, recruits received awards for performance excellence in the training.

The award for the Best Recruit of the 264th intake went to Recruit M.D.P.H. Dissanayake.

Best Recruit with highest overall marks was awarded to Recruit S.A. Thalpage.

Best Sportsman title awarded to Recruit P.I. Kamsan.

Recruit Woman H.A.A. Ruwantika received the Best Sportswoman title.

Best Marksman was Recruit N.M.D.L. Navaratne.

'Ranajaya’ Division received the award for the Best Division.

Addressing the graduates, Rear Admiral Liyanagamage noted that choosing a naval career helped them develop into brave citizens with strong personalities.
He emphasised that this training serves as only the beginning, urging them to continuously study weapon systems, modern technology, and international maritime trends.
He further stated that discipline and training remain a sailor's most valuable assets.

The ceremony featured a drill display, musical performances by the Navy band, cultural dances, and a traditional martial arts (Angampora) demonstration.

The event concluded with the traditional sunset ceremony and was attended by senior and junior officers from the North Central Naval Command and Navy Headquarters, alongside the parents and family of the new sailors.