Elite Special Force Officers &;amp; Other Ranks Pass Out in Grand Military Ceremony

Eight officers and eighty seven other ranks of the Army's elite Special Forces (SF) who followed the intensive eight-month long training Course No 45 at Maduruoya SF Training School passed out Friday (4) morning in a glittering ceremony, graced by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake as the Chief Guest.

Heroic members of Sri Lanka Army Special Forces, to their credit as one of the most elite and widely-admired unit of the Army, have rendered an indelible service to the nation during the final few years of the fight against terrorism, particularly with its Long Range Reconaissance Patrol  troops who were regarded the most-feared by terrorists.

Commander of the Army upon welcomed by Major General Sumedha Perera, Colonel of the Regiment, SF and Lieutenant Colonel H.D.W.K.N Eriyagama, Commandant and went to receive the Guard of Honour, accorded to him in the company of the parade commander in keeping with military formalities.

Afterwards the day's Chief Guest awarded laurels and certificates to the best of the best in the Course No. 45.  In a very rare gesture of excellence, Lieutenant General Ratnayake succeeded in becoming the first in all three spheres; the Best Student, Best Shooter and the Best Gymnast and received appreciation of the Commander of the Army.

In his brief address to the occasion, the Chief Guest paid a special tribute to all fallen, disable and serving SF members and pointed out dignity and pride, associated with the SF, for which he enjoyed the unforgettable privilege of designing its badge and the uniforms at the inception, the mirror and identity of the entire rank and the file of the SF.

During his stay there, the Commander called at the 'Colonel Lafir Memorial Library', Herbal Garden (Osu Uyana) and joined a tree-planting programme as a token of memory of his visit to the place.

He also interacted with a segment of parents of those Course attendees, present there and inquired into their welfare and other matters of concern to them.

A brief demonstration, presented by Course attendees, added colour to the event.

A special book authorized by a senior SF officer, named ‘Sinharaja’ was also presented to the Commander by the author.

A large gathering of senior officers, including Mrs Damayanthi Ratnayake, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit, Major General Sumedha Perera, Commander, Security Force Headquarters - West, Major General Lal Perera, Commander, Security Force Headquarters - East, Mrs Himashini Perera, Chairperson, SF Seva Vanitha Unit, invitees, parents and well-wishers were at the location.