Mother Lanka Receives 124 More SLMA-Groomed Dedicated Army Officers

A group of 124 more Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) - groomed new Officer Cadets, including ladies during a glittering ceremony at Diyatalawa passed out this morning (17) upon receipt of their commissions with the avowed aim of serving the motherland as disciplined and dedicated officers of the Army.

Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, Minister of Regional Development graced the Passing out Parade (PoP) ceremony as the Chief Guest at the invitation of the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva and SLMA Commandant.

A formal military Guard Turnout at the entrance to the SLMA greeted the day’s Chief Guest after a warm welcome received him.

Those SLMA graduates of the Regular Intakes 82 & 82 B, Lady Officer Intake 14 A, Volunteer Officer Cadet Intake 56 A and Volunteer Lady Officer Cadet Intake 13 A during this ceremony received their formal commissions from the Chief Guest after they presented their arms and saluted the Chief Guest in the parade.

Before commissioning proceedings got underway, Field Marshal Fonseka placed a floral wreath and paid his tribute to the SLMA War Memorial where a minute’s silence, was also observed in memory of all fallen War Heroes.

The ceremony saw commissions, being awarded to 39 Cadet Officers in the Regular Intake 82, 80 Cadet Officers in the Regular Intake 82 B, 1 Cadet Officer in the Lady Regular Intake 14 A, 03 Cadet Officers in the Lady Volunteer Intake 13 A and 3 Cadet Officers in the Volunteer Intake 56 A.

Later, smiling parents of the new SLMA graduates, as a customary feature of the day’s event, were invited to adorn the shoulders of their beloved ones, who have joined the national service with the insignia of the President's Commission.

Best achievers during the training course in separate Intakes were also felicitated at the colourful and dignified ceremony.

Adding value to the service of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka, a portrait of his was unveiled at the Cadet Officers’ Mess after the main highlight was over.

In the previous evening, those Officer Cadets, assembled at the Colonel Fazly Laphir Memorial auditorium presented their final presentations in the presence of the Commander of the Army and a gathering of senior officers.

SLMA Commandant Major General R.W.W.A.D.B Rajaguru, senior military officers and a large number of parents of Officer Cadets were also present at the PoP ceremony.

Mrs Anoma Fonseka, Chairperson, Ranviru Seva Authority and Mrs Nayana De Silva, President, Army Seva Vanitha Unit were also among the distinguished guests.