18th July 2021 13:00:09 Hours
The newly-appointed 35th Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), Brigadier Nalinda Niyangoda was greeted to military formalities when he arrived at the SLMA to assume office on Friday (16).
At the outset, he laid a floral wreath at the SLMA's 'Monument of Peace' and saluted the memory of fallen War Heroes before he was conducted to receive the Guard of Honour, presented by four squads of Officer Cadets under training.The ceremonial parade was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel S.D.K.W.M.M.I Weliwita of Gajaba Regiment.
In his maiden speech at the parade ground, the Commandant emphasized the importance of living up to the mission and vision of the SLMA and Cadets’ Honour Code in order to achieve the motto of the Academy, ‘Serve to Lead.’
Giving prominence to Buddhist traditions, he took over duties, amid chanting of 'Seth Pirith' by members of Buddhist monks. Afterwards, the SLMA's Deputy Commandant in keeping with the traditions pinned the SLMA badge on the incoming Commandant. Afterwards, the new Commandant unveiled the former Commandant’s photograph and posed for a special photograph with the staff.
Later on, Brigadier Nalinda Niyangoda, the new Commandant with all shared refreshments. Deputy Commandant, Wing Heads, all officers, civil lecturers a cross section of NCOs and Officer Cadets were associated with the occasion.
