Upon successful completion of their basic training, two hundred and thirty-eight (238) recruits of the 248th intake of Sri Lanka Navy’s Regular and Volunteer Forces, passed out at the main parade ground of SLNS Vidura in Sampoor, Trincomalee on 22nd October 2022.
The ceremony was graced by the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Navy and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of the Commandant of SLNS Vidura, Captain Rohan Dissanayake. Those recruits who excelled during their basic training, received prizes from the Chief Guest in appreciation of their remarkable efforts.
In recognition of his top-notch performances throughout the training period, Recruit UGRM Jayarathne was adjudged the Best Recruit, Recruit with the Highest Aggregate in all subjects and the Best Marksman of the 248th intake. Meanwhile, Recruit WMLC Wanninayake won the award for the Best Sportsman. The ‘Gajabahu’ Division was selected as the Best Division of the 248th intake.
Addressing the newly passed out recruits, Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne in the first place congratulated them for the successful completion of their basic training. Adding more he said that the role played by the Sri Lanka Navy at sea and on land, as a unit equipped with technology and excellent professional abilities, was exceptional in uprooting the brutal terrorism and bringing lasting peace to the country. Further, he underlined the importance of bestowing the true freedom everyone enjoying today to the next generation as well as shouldering responsibilities to fulfil tasks for the betterment of the country, as a proud member of the Navy. He also expressed his gratitude to the parents as well as near and dear ones of the new batch of recruits, for giving the consent to their beloved children to serve the motherland with a noble resolve.
The dignified ceremony was made more attractive by a drill display presented by newly passed out recruits as well as scintillating performances of the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe. The spectators were also engrossed by the performances of Navy Marine personnel.
Members of Ven. Maha Sangha, senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Eastern Naval Command, officers and sailors of SLNS Vidura and parents of newly passed out recruits were also present on this occasion.