A colourful ceremony saw the passing out of 24 Direct Entry officers of the Regular and Volunteer Naval Forces of the Sri Lanka Navy at the main parade ground of Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee today (30th August 2024). At the invitation of Commandant NMA, Commodore Rohan Joseph the ceremony was graced by Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, as the Chief Guest.
Those who excelled during the training were presented with special awards by the Chief Guest. Accordingly, Lieutenant NVSAN Bandara was awarded for both the ‘Best Direct Entry Officer’ and ‘Highest Aggregate in Overall Subjects’ of the 01/2023 intake. Acting Sub Lieutenant ADSA Ambepitiyage won the award for the ‘Best Marksman’ and the award for the ‘Best Sports performance’ was secured by Acting Sub Lieutenant RMT Sewwandi.
Addressing the newly commissioned officers and the gathering, the Chief Guest congratulated them for completing both academic and essential practical training. He also expressed his gratitude to the parents of the officers for giving consent to their sons and daughters who joined the noble profession. The occasion was made more colourful by the entertaining items presented by the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe.
Senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Eastern Naval Command as well as the parents of passed out officers were also present on this occasion.