Army Chief Graces the Graduation Ceremony of Commandos

The Passing Out Parade (PoP) of the Commando Course - 51 H, I, and J, including 06 Officers and 125 Other Ranks, took place on 03 August 2024 at Commando Regiment Training School (CRTS), Uva-Kudaoya.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest together with Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, the President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, at the invitation of Major General P.G.P.S Rathnayake RWP RSP ndc, Commander 1 Corps, and Colonel of the Regiment of CR.

On arrival, the Chief Guest was received by the Colonel of the Regiment along with Colonel R.R.C Karunaratna RWP, Commandant - CRTS and welcomed in a Guard Turnout followed by a graduation parade.

During the ceremony, parents and next of kin of Officers and Soldiers pinned Commando badges on graduates who successfully completed the course.

Later on, the Chief Guest, together with Colonel of the Regiment of CR and several Senior Officers, awarded Maroon Berets to Officers and Soldiers who passed out, symbolising their identity and professional dignity.

The Commander of the Army then awarded special prizes to graduates who had performed exceptionally well throughout the Commando course.

The award for the Best Commando went to Lieutenant G.C.D Kariyawasam, while the Best Shooter award was given to Lieutenant E.D.C De Soyza. The award for the Best Student in Physical Training was presented to Private P.K.K.S Kumara.

After the parade formalities, a band display and rappelling demonstration took place. In making memories of the event, the Army Chief posed for a group photograph, followed by refreshments.

Later on, at the Drop Zone, the Chief Guest witnessed a Sniper demonstration, face-to-face firing demonstration, Commando skill firing demonstration, firing demonstration of Special Weapons used by Commandos, Commando Real Fighting system display, HR and CT demonstration, VIP protection demonstration, K9 handling display, and Free-fall Parachute Display as the last segment of the day’s event, showcasing their untiring strength, military skills, and unprecedented fighting capabilities.

The Army Chief then interacted with the newly graduated Commandos and their families and inspected the Commando Confident Jump Construction Site at the Commando Confident Jump area.

At Maroon Reach, the exchange of mementos took place between the Army Chief and Centre Commandant of CR, and Commandant of CRTS recognising the Army Commander’s status as a Paratrooper. Subsequently, Colonel of the Regiment of Commando Regiment, awarded a memento to the Army Chief in gratitude for his participation. In turn, the Commander of the Army presented a memento to commemorate his visit. Additionally, Mrs. Nimali Ranathunga, Chairperson of the Commando Regiment Seva Vanitha Branch, presented a memento to Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, as a token of appreciation for her presence at the graduation ceremony.

At the culmination of the event, the Chief Guest penned a note in the visitors' book.

Major General S.P.A.I.M.B Samarakoon Hdmc Lsc, Deputy Chief of Staff and Major General B.K.G.M.L. Rodrigo RSP psc IG, Commander of Security Force – Central, Clergy, Principal Staff Officers, Security Force Commanders, Senior Officers of the Tri-forces, Police Officers, Members of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, Government agents, relatives, and friends of Commando graduates witnessed the day’s spectacular event.