THE CEREMONIAL passing out parade of 100 Officer Cadets at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa occurred Friday (24) attended by Prime Minister D. M. Jayarathne as Chief Guest. These newly commissioned officers, including five trained in India is Military Academy, are from the Regular Officer Cadet Intake 67, Intake 69 and Short Commission Intake 17A. Officer Cadets of Intake 67 read for a Bachelors Degree in Defence Studies awarded by the University of Sabaragamuwa.
The Prime Minister was received by the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya at the main entrance the to SLMA on his arrival.
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 the first leg on the day’s agenda.
The Prime Minister awarded the Commissioning Swords to the Officer Cadets before receiving the salute from the new officers during the colourful parade which was commanded by Major Manjula Chandrasekera.
Platoon Under Officer S. A. R. R. Prabath Kumara of the Intake 69 was honoured with the Sword of Honour for the Best Overall Performance and the Officer Cadet Y.A.M.K. Yapa of the Intake 67, Platoon Under Officer S.A.R.R. Prabath Kumara of the Intake 69 and the Platoon Under Officer I.M.A.B. Ilangasinghe of the Short Service Intake 17A were awarded the President’s Trophy for achieving highest aggregate marks of their respective intakes.
The Prime Minister in his speech on the occasion congratulated all newly commissioned officers and said that they were joining the proud and victorious Sri Lanka Army in a free and united country after ending 30 years of terrorism and now they have to contribute to the rapid development programmes in the country. He stressed that the main power behind the victory against ruthless terrorism was HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who gave the correct undaunted leadership to humanitarian operations amidst many challenges that came on his way. “Sixty six countries around the world are still fighting against terrorism, but the sole country which could achieve a military victory was Sri Lanka. This victory has embarossed other big countries and they are making false allegations against us. This is a cowardly act. Our Commander-in-Chief President Mahinda Rajapaksa brought an end to a conflict which four other leaders could not finish. Therefore, the honour of this gigantic victory should go to HE the President, the Secretary Defence, all war heroes and the parents who brought them to this world”, the Prime Minister said. He further stated that the international powers who are trying to tarnish the dignity of our victory should be conquered.
The Chief Guest planted a tree sapling in the compound in memory of his visit to the SLMA Diyatalawa at the end of the parade.
During a special ceremony held at the SLMA gymnasium after the parade with the presence of the Commandant of the SLMA Brigadier Ruwan Kulatunge, parents of the newly Commissioned Officers adorned the shoulders of their brave and beloved sons with the insignia of the President’s Commission.
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