27th November 2020 08:30:08 Hours
The Passing Out Parade (POP) of the 34th directly enlisted new Commandos of the Commando Regiment, one of the most spectacular occasions in the Army training modules, took place on Saturday (28) at Uva Kudaoya Commando Regiment Training School, the state-of-the-art training school in Sri Lanka for Special Operations.
The 68 Division General Officer Commanding and one of most decorated senior officers in the Commando Regiment, Major General Upali Rajapaksha graced the parade as the Chief Guest who was welcomed on arrival by the Commandant at the Commando Regiment Training School, Colonel Priyankara Ubesiriwardhana before the day's Chief Guest was greeted to a Guard Turnout.
Seven Officers and 175 soldiers upon successful completion of challenging and strenuous physical and mental training modules that lasted a little over 18 months joned this exclusive and prestigious 'Maroon Beret' family of Sons of the Brave who have made a name for themselves in the Army legacy.
The Chief Guest afterwards awarded the most demanding and reputed Commando insignias to the newly graduated Officers and soldiers in the first row of the parade and award of maroon beret and insignias symbolically before Brigadier Krishantha Gnanarathna, Brigadier Anil Samarasiri and Brigadier Shanaka Rathnayaka too joined for the same.
The award of prizes for the Best Student in Physical Fitness, the Best Shooter and the Best Commando of the Course was presented by the Chief Guest. The parade commander Lieutenant J.M.P.D.P Karunarathna joined history by winning the title 'Best Commando' winning the glamorous 'Commando Dagger' as the 75th recipient in line of succession.
The General Officer Commanding, 68 Division made a brief address on the occasion and reminded the newly graduated Commandos of the importance and relevance of their hard training towards their future engagements and the national responsibility they are going to shoulder in future. After tracing the glorious history of the Commando Regiment,the Chief Guest commended the Commandos for its series of unmatched achievements for the greater benefit of the nation.
The Chief Guest also paid a special tribute to all fallen, disabled and serving Commando members and emphasized the significance of the motto, 'Nothing Impossible'. Major General Upali Rajapaksha was also honoured in a Guard of Honour accorded to him by newly graduated Commandos.
Newly graduated officers and soldiers widen their professional horizons on advanced Commando tactics, Small group tactics, Unconventional Warfare, mission planning, weapon handling, combat marksmanship, explosive handling, tactical combat casualty care and indigenous skills of the Commandos, such as Hostage Rescue and Counter Terrorist, VVIP Protection and War Dog Handling (K9) to discharge their professional duties under one of the best institutions.
This POP was held without the participation of parents or well-wishers of the newly graduated Commandos by respecting the health guidelines of the country and there were no special displays as usual due to Covid-19 pandemic. bridgemedia | Nike Shoes
