A total of 06 Officers and 366 Other Ranks of the 50 A, B, C, D, E and F batches of the Commando Regiment (CR) who underwent rigorous training that spanned 18 months at Kudaoya Commando Regiment Training School (CRTS) finally showcased their exceptional operational techniques during their Passing out Parade (PoP) on Saturday (26).
The PoP of those Commandos who are ready to address unprecedented threats and challenges to the nation assumed greater recognition with the presence of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army as the Chief Guest.
The day’s Chief Guest, on arrival at the location was received by Major General A.K.G.K.U Gnanaratne ndc psc, Colonel of the Regiment, CR in the company of Brigadier P.S.J.D Samarasekara RSP USP psc, Commandant CRTS where he was saluted in a formal Guard Turnout at the entrance to the CRTS.
A few minutes later, the Chief Guest was invited by the parade commander to review the day’s parade and receive the salute presented by the new graduates. Afterwards, parents and next of kin of passing out Commandos were invited to pin prestigious Commando insignia on those brave sons, now all set to join the admired family of Commandos in order to prove ‘Nothing Impossible’ as their motto claims.
The apex of the day’s spectacle, award of uniquely-suited ‘Maroon Berets’ to the graduates was done by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army, together with Major General A.K.G.K.U Gnanaratne ndc psc, Colonel of the Regiment, CR, Brigadier V.M.N Hettiarachchi RWP RSP, Commando Brigade Commander, Brigadier B.M.S.K.K Dharmawardana RWP RSP USP, Center Commandant of Commando Regiment Headquarters.
‘Maroon Berets’ signify that the soldier wearing it belongs to an elite strategic force which possesses unique and unmatched set of combat skills and capabilities.
The next moment marked the presentation of appreciative trophies and certificates to graduates who excelled during the 18-month-long Commando training course. Accordingly, the Award for the Best Commando of the Course was presented to Second Lieutenant M.S Isuranga while the Best in Physical Award and the Best Shooter Award were awarded to Private M.I Karunananayake and Private H.M.L.S Kumara respectively amidst roars of cheers and applause.
Addressing the gathering, the Commander of the Army congratulated and presented his wishes to the graduates. He emphasised the importance of maintaining the skills and qualities that they gained through the training throughout their career and said “I expect you all to be fully ready to get deployed whenever ordered, to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state while preserving and upholding the constitution and the democratic process”. Commander of the Army also extended his gratitude to the parents and Instructors of the new Commandos.
Adding memories to the day’s event, all graduates with the Chief Guest and Senior Officers and Instructors afterwards posed for group photographs before the day’s main segment drew to a close.
The dazzling spectacle of the day, staged in the dropping zone of the CRTS reached new heights afterwards as the stage was set for the spectators to witness the daring skills of those Commandos, exhibited in series of simulated demonstrations; Sniper shoots, Hostage Rescue and Counter-Terrorism Demonstrations, K9 (War Dogs)-Handling Displays. Freefall Parachute Displays dominated the scenario as the gathering watched the proceedings with awe, thrill and excitement before the day’s proceedings came to an end.
Major General W.R.M.M Rathnayake RWP RSP USP ndu, Commander, Security Forces – Central, Major General W.W.H.R.R.V.M.N.D.K.B Niyangoda RWP RSP USP ndu psc, Commandant, Sri Lanka Military Academy, Major General G.M.N Perara RWP RSP USP, General Officer Commanding, 12 Division, Major General P.G.P.S Rathnayake RWP RSP ndc, General Officer Commanding, 53 Division, Senior Officers, Officers, Other Ranks, Parents and NOK of graduates were present at the day’s Passing Out Parade.