Passing out of 222nd regular intake of Navy

Three hundred and eightyseven naval recruits belonging to the 222nd regular intake of the Sri Lanka Navy passed out at SLNS Shiksa in Poonewa recently. Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe attended the event as the Chief Guest and took the salute. The Commandant of SLNS Shiksha, Captain Priyantha Perera, senior naval officers, parents, and well-wishers were also present on the occasion.

At the end of the colourful parade, trophies were awarded to those who were outstanding in various fields during the basic training. Recruit JMKGLG Gunaratne was adjudged the Best Recruit while Recruit LGP Sandaruwan was selected the recruit with the highest aggregate in all subjects. Recruit DHKDK Sirisena won the award for the Best Sportsman and Recruit EMNM Ekanayaka won the award for the Best Marksman.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest, RearAdmiral Ranasinghe stated that the SLN, being a professionally and technically developed naval force, played a very important role in eradicating the brutal terrorism that plagued the motherland for over three decades. Further, he said that the responsibility of ensuring the benefits of the hard-won peace for the future generation lies on the shoulders of those who passed out on completion of their naval training. On behalf of the Commander of the Navy, RearAdmiral Ranasinghe expressed his gratitude to the parents for giving the consent to their beloved sons to join the Navy to render a noble service to the nation.