22nd December 2025
The 100th Passing Out Parade (PoP) of the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) was graced by His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, Commander of the Army. The Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa honoured Mother Lanka on 21 December 2025 by commissioning 240 Officer Cadets.
The newly commissioned Officers included Officer Cadets from Intakes 93, 94B, SC 21 C, SC 23, Lady 20, 62 (V), and Lady 19 (V), along with eight foreign Officer Cadets from Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia.
The event commenced with a ceremonial procession, during which the Chief Guest was escorted to the SLMA Parade Square by a cavalcade. Military traditions were upheld as SLMA troops presented a drive pass. The Chief Guest then laid a floral wreath at the SLMA War Memorial, paying tribute to the fallen heroes of the Sri Lanka Army.
Subsequently, the Parade Commander, Major A.B.C.P. Wickramarathna USP psc of the Mechanized Infantry Regiment, sought formal permission to commence the parade.
The Chief Guest then conducted the ceremonial review of the parade. Thereafter, the Chief Guest, along with Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Deputy Minister of Defence; Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV RWP and two Bars RSP and Bar USP MMSc (Strat Stu – China) MSc (Def Stu) in Mgt MSc (Def & Strat Stu) fndu (China) psc, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence; and the Commander of the Army, presented the symbolic Presidential Commissioning Swords to the newly commissioned Officers.
Special Awards
Special awards were also conferred upon the best achievers from each intake
Regular Officer Cadet Intake 93
• First-in-Order of Merit – Battalion Under Officer S.M.A.J. Samarakoon
• Sword of Honour – Battalion Under Officer S.M.A.J. Samarakoon
Regular Officer Cadet Intake 94B
• First-in-Order of Merit – Company Under Officer W.P.S. Akalanka
• Sword of Honour – Company Under Officer W.P.S. Akalanka
Regular Officer Cadet Intake SC 23
• First-in-Order of Merit – Platoon Under Officer W.M.B.M. Wickramasinghe
Regular Lady Officer Cadet Intake 20
• First-in-Order of Merit – Cadet Corporal M.G.P.M. Lakmali
Volunteer Officer Cadet Intake 62
• First-in-Order of Merit – Officer Cadet R.D.I.P. Jayalath
Volunteer Lady Officer Cadet Intake 19
• First-in-Order of Merit – Cadet Sergeant R.M.M.P. Bandara
Cane of Honour for Best All-Round Foreign Officer
• Cadet Sergeant S. Kayombo (Republic of Zambia)
In his address, the Chief Guest reminded the graduates of their obligations to the nation and commended them on their achievements, while also praising the Sri Lanka Army’s efforts during the recent Ditwah cyclone. The occasion highlighted the Sri Lanka Military Academy’s steadfast commitment to developing competent and disciplined officers in support of the Sri Lanka Army, while advancing global military cooperation.
Following this, the newly commissioned Officers marched through the symbolic Makara Thorana (archway), accompanied by the SLMA Adjutant.
The Chief Guest thereafter signed the Visitors’ Book and made complimentary remarks. Subsequently, the Commander of the Army presented a special memento to the Chief Guest at the Sino–Lanka Friendship Auditorium. At the same time, a commemorative stamp was launched at the Officer Cadet Mess with the participation of the Deputy Minister of Defence. Following this, the Chief Guest took part in a sapling-planting ceremony at the premises and posed for a few photographs to mark the occasion.
Thereafter, at the Sino–Lanka Friendship Auditorium, Major General M.J.R.S. Medagoda RSP USP ndc psc IG, Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, together with distinguished guests and parents, participated in the Pipping Ceremony, adorning the shoulders of the brave young officers with the insignia of the President’s Commission.
After the Pipping Ceremony, marking the culmination of the Passing Out Parade formalities, the traditional Commissioning Dinner was held at the Officer Cadet Mess. The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, as the Chief Guest, alongside a host of distinguished invitees. The newly commissioned Officers were also in attendance, celebrating their achievements and transition into their professional roles.
Clergy, Former Commanders of the Army, former Commandants of SLMA, Defence Attachés and High Commissioners, senior Tri-Service officers, spouses of senior officers and family members of the Officer Cadets attended the ceremony.
