Sri Lanka Navy’s prestigious Maritime and Naval Academy at Trincomalee on Friday (16) honoured the presence of the new Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake as the Chief Guest for the academy’s Passing out Parade (PoP) of the Intake 27 (Kotelawala Defence University) and the Midshipman Intake 51, the most glittering spectacle in the academy’s calendar of events.
The day’s itinerary of the Army Chief in Trincomalee commenced soon after he reviewed the Guard Turnout, presented in his honour at the entrance to the premises in accordance with naval traditions after he was received by the Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Commander of the Navy and Commandant, Maritime and Naval Academy, Commodore U.S.R Perera.
Recalling the memories of fallen War Heroes, the Chief Guest in the company of the Commander of the Navy, revered the war memorial in the premises at the beginning of the formalities.
As the Chief Guest was entering the parade square, Navy bands with their rhythmic beats and associated formalities heralded the inauguration of the most central segment of the commissioning ceremony where Midshipman of the KDU Intake 27 and Midshipman Intake 51, received their commissioning swords from the day’s distinguished guest.
The Chief Guest, at the invitation of the Maritime and Naval Academy Commandant amidst cheers and greetings afterwards awardeds prestigious swords to those 85 Midshipman, symbolizing commissioning of those officers after graduation before receiving their salute in a colourful parade.
Participation of lady Midshipman in the parade added special elegance and colour to the event as the mammoth gathering witnessed the spectacle with interest. The Parade Commander was Lieutenant Commander (G) W.P.H.E Wickramasinghe.
Battalion Under Officer, Midshipman, K.D.P.M Kaththriarachchi of the KDU Intake 27 and Midshipman Y.D.L Mahesh of Midshipman Intake 51 were honoured with award of the symbolic Sword of Honour for the Best Overall Performance.
In his address to the commissioning officers, the Commander Lieutenant General Ratnayake urged them to take advantage of new technological developments and be concerned with new security challenges while exploiting opportunities in other areas of training and education.
Here is the full text of his speech;
‘I am indeed privileged and honured to be here, this evening, as the Chief Guest of the Graduation Parade of Newly Commissioned Officers of the Naval and Maritime Academy.
I am grateful to the Commander of the Navy for inviting me to this very special occasion which is a clear indication of the mutual respect and understanding between the two services.
This is also significant to me because after assuming office as the 20th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, this is the first time I am participating in a formal naval ceremony of this magnitude.
First of all, let me express my heart-felt felicitations to the Parade Commander, second in command, drill instructors and cadets for excellent drill standards of the parade.
You have impressed me beyond words by your outstanding display of drills. As you stand, proud, and ready on this parade square, remember always to defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity our country-first and always.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to take this opportunity to share some of my personal experiences with the cadets who are passing out today since I am a firm believer of the notion that shared experience provides many a window of opportunity to young leaders who are aspiring to take over the reins of profound leadership tomorrow.
I also believe that the profession of arms which these young cadets have opted to pursue is noble and is a highly respected profession in our society today.
34 years ago, when I joined the Sri Lanka Army as a young officer cadet the situation prevailing in the country was peaceful and the challenges confronting young officers were completely different.
Thereafter, with the escalation of terrorism, the Armed Forces had to take the lead in defending our motherland. The young leaders in the Armed Forces were called upon to take the lead in countering the terrorist menace which was threatening the very existence of our nation.
Ladies and Gentlemen, today I stand here proudly along with the Navy Commander and other senior tri service officers as those who were part of the excellent team which was able to overcome all the obstacles in rescuing our nation from the clutches of terrorism that had plagued our country and the nation for nearly thirty years.
The visionary leadership of his Excellency the President, Mahinda Rajapaksa, coupled with the brilliance of the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa enabled the Tri Forces and Police together with the entire population of our country to overcome one of the toughest challenges the country faced since gaining independence.
You are today joining a Navy which has proven beyond doubt that it is amongst the best navies in the contemporary world.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
The Sri Lanka Navy has been the one and only service arm which has protected our Maritime assets and has been the first line of defence of our nation.
It is a fact that, had it not been for the Navy we wouldn’t have succeeded the long-drawn war against terrorism because, obviously, it was via the sea the LTTE smuggled their shipments of arms. The Navy proved its mettle during the last 30 years, winning praise not only from our countrymen, but also from the nations in support of us. Especially, the bravery with which the Sri Lanka Navy ventured to destroy terrorist craft, thousands of miles away is a historical achievement.
These young Newly Commissioned Officers who are joining the officer corps of the Sri Lanka Navy today, I am sure, are aware of these facts and the sacrifices made by the members of our Defence Forces and Police in countering the terrorist menace.
I can very vividly remember my first days as a young commissioned officer in the Sri Lanka Army. The youthful enthusiasm which was nurtured and developed during training made me feel that I could take up any challenge. “Nothing is Impossible” was our motto. I am certain that these robust young men are after us.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am sure the Navy Commander and those other senior officers who are present here will agree that this was the case with all three services at the time they joined their respective services. The training imparted to us was multifaceted and equipped us to serve as young leaders.
We were keen to learn and further develop our skills. However, as time progressed the situation gradually changed and we were called upon to face and defeat, perhaps, one of the ferocious terrorist groups in the world.
There were ups and downs for Defence Forces during this period. We were required to adapt and remain ahead of our enemy. We did adapt. We did think out of the box. We invented our own methods and we succeeded.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
We surprised the entire world and succeeded in defeating our enemy comprehensively. The experience in defeating such a ruthless enemy while being a member of an important organization which contributed to that success along with Sri Lanka Navy is incomparable.
We were required to lead by example. We did so. We were required to be innovative. We did so. Thus, we achieved the success in the end. We felt proud in leading some of the best men any Army, Navy or Air Force could ever have in their ranks. We learnt a lot in the process.
It is almost four years since we have concluded combat operations and the transformation that has taken place thereafter too has surprised many.
We are now at the forefront of the nation development in addition to safeguarding our territorial integrity.
The Armed Forces have continued to engage in humanitarian as well as other civilian activities that have accelerated the national development and improved the lives of our communities in various parts of our country, especially in the north and east since the culmination of the humanitarian operation.
Today, the Sri Lanka navy is not only the first line of defence but also a key stakeholder in the nation-building process.
Again, the rapidity with which we all adapted to the emerging challenges and requirements is being praised by all. We have proved beyond doubt that our defense forces are amongst the best in the world in fulfilling the national obligations.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
These Newly Commissioned young officers who are joining the officer corps of the Sri Lanka Navy are joining an organization which has an international reputation.
Each of you will be called upon to lead your men who are loyal and faithful. You need to lead them by example. The rigorous training you underwent as cadets over the last couple of months, no doubt requires a high degree of dedication, commitment, discipline and perseverance.
Your successful completion of the training, therefore, testifies to your strength of character and determination to pursue a career in the Navy as junior leaders.
I take this opportunity to wish you all successful and rewarding careers in the Armed Forces. I am sure during your training, you were equipped with the necessary tools to meet the future challenges and emerging ones. I am also certain that during training, you all would have undergone many tests and a string of subject related challenges.
All those experiences will serve as the foundation of your professional career and you will be required to build your future on it. You should also remember the men under your command who too will expect you to do your best for them. That is the only way to earn their unquestionable respect and true loyalty.
Each one of you, who received the presidential commission today, ought to be grateful to your predecessors on whose sacrifices and commitments you are standing proudly today. A Navy as great as the one you are stepping in today wouldn’t have existed, had it not been for brave selfless warrior sailors who laid their lives in the name of the country.
Always, think of them, bless them. Be concerned about their families and help them whenever they need you to do so. That’s the gratitude you can pay them.
As you commence your careers, I urge you to serve your country with honour, dignity and to uphold the great reputation which the Sri Lankan armed forces have established in the past 65 years of our independence.
You should also uphold the highest standards of professional excellence, integrity and discipline. In particular, I urge you to demonstrate unwavering loyalty to your country and the nation.
I wish to remind you that the training you have received marks the beginning of a demanding and challenging career. Your success in the armed forces will largely depend on your pursuit of further training as opportunities are made available to you.
As you are aware, technological developments have brought new security challenges. You are therefore expected to be conversant with these and other areas of concern in the military field through continuous training and education. Today, the opportunities to pursue studies are abundant at national universities and other higher educational institutions.
I urge the newly commissioned officers to take advantage of these opportunities in order to acquire more knowledge and skills. This not only serves to advance the academic standards of our military officers, but it is also necessary for your career progression.
Dear Newly Commissioned Officers,
I cannot think of any other way of repaying what you owe to your country than the step that you have taken today. I wish you all the very best and good soldiering! Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to your parents who have accepted your choice of career and encouraged you to enlist in the navy.
I am sure their blessings would always keep you in good stead and drive you to success. I salute them for their courage to do so and thank them for their right decision.
I congratulate each one of you, and wish you the very best as commissioned officers of the Sri Lanka navy and as future leaders of mother Lanka’.
May you have the strength and courage to succeed every obstacle and hardships!
I wish you all, the blessings of the noble triple gems!
Thank you!
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