The biggest-ever commissioning parade in the history at Diyathalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) took place Saturday (4), amidst military traditions and honours, attended by Prime Minister and a host of military chiefs and invitees.
Determined firmly and conscious of their roles and duties in the name of the country, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, two hundred and eighty one Officer Cadets, of regular Intakes 66, short commission Intakes 14,15,16 and volunteer Intake 46, smartly dressed in their ceremonials passed out (PoP) during the colourful spectacle that took place at the SLMA parade grounds.
This is the biggest-ever number of Officer Cadets who received commissions as Second Lieutenants during one single parade in SLMA’s history.
Prime Minister Rathnasiri Wickramanayaka graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka and SLMA Commandant Brigadier Kumudu Perera received the Prime Minister on his arrival at the venue Not forgetful of their past sacrifices, the Chief Guest laid a floral tribute to the SLMA war memorial and paid his respect to their memory as first item on the day’s agenda.
Newly commissioned Officer Cadets afterwards accorded a Guard of Honour to the visiting Prime Minister after he took position in the saluting dais. The event was followed by formal inspection of the military parade by the Chief Guest, accompanied by Commander of the Army and Commandant SLMA before placing of swords in the hands of new officers by the premier, heralding that their commissioning has begun.
Prime Minister also took time off to plant a sapling at the war memorial premises to mark the event.
Thirty-six Officer Cadets of the Regular Intake 66 followed a two and half year long military and academic course at the SLMA, affiliated to the University of Sabaragamuwa. A degree in Defence studies will be awarded to officers who successfully complete the academic course conducted by the University. One officer who received further training at West Point USA also passed out with his batch mates.
Training period of the Short Commission Intakes 14,15,16 with one hundred and ninety-eight Officer Cadets lasted for one year.
Volunteer Intake 46 received their training for eighteen months at the SLMA.
Those who excelled during training also received merit awards from the Chief Guest.
During a special ceremony held at the SLMA gymnasium after the parade, parents of the newly commissioned Officers adorned the shoulders of their brave and beloved sons with insignia of the President’s Commission.
Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, President Seva Vanitha Branch of the Ministry of Defence, Public Security and Law and order Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, President Seva Vanitha Army Branch Mrs. Anoma Fonseka, Senior Military and Police Officers and parents and next of kin of the newly passed out Officers were present to witness the parade.
All new Officers will join their respective Regiments soon.
Courtesy: Army Media
