Tamil, Muslim & Sinhala Recruits Jointly Pass out as Professional Soldiers

Three hundred and forty (340) recruits who received training at the Battalion Training School (BTS) in Vidaththalpalai, Jaffna passed out on Thursday (26) during a simple ceremony upon successful completion of their four-month long basic training.

This is the first-ever batch of recruits that passed out in Jaffna as part of the first phase of the recruitment of new soldiers to the Army, comprised of Tamil, Muslim and Sinhala youths after transforming them to be professional soldiers of all ethnicity. Those three hundred and forty recruits, groomed to be in line with the ' Army Way Forward Strategy - 2020 - 2025 ' of the Commander of the Army received training as brothers of one family although their mother tongues differ.

Colonel Susantha Hettige, Commander 522 Brigade at the invitation of the Chief Instructor at BTS graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest and delivered the closing address by emphasizing the soldier’s responsibilities and importance of maintaining discipline, the proper performance of duties, etc and highlighted that the troops are the cornerstone of a state and human security, but their legitimacy and effectiveness depend on fulfilling their mission accountable within a framework of democratic, civilian control, rule of law and respect for human rights.

The recruits symbolizing the value of reconciliation, harmony and brotherhood were trained at the Battalion Training School in Vidaththalpalai under the close supervision of Lieutenant Colonel R.M. Senevirathna, Chief Instructor, Battalion Training School in Vidaththalpalai.

Recruit M. Vinushikan received the award for the Best Shot, Recruit G.S.K.M Aracchhi, received the award for the Best Recruit and Recruit E.T Kumara carried the award for the Best in Physical Training. They accepted those awards from the day's Chief Guest. Senior officers, Officers, Other Ranks, recruits, and a few other ranks participated in the ceremony, adhering to stipulated health guidelines.

Parents and relatives of those new recruits were not invited to this occasion due to health concerns and social distancing regulations.