SLMA proudly held its 99th Passing Out Parade

The 99th Passing Out Parade (PoP) of Sri Lanka Military Academy was graced by Major General K.P.A Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc, Deputy Minister of Defence, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army. The Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) in Diyatalawa honoured Mother Lanka on 21 December 2024 by commissioning 222 Officer Cadets.

The Chief Guest, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), 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 Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage presented the symbolic Presidential Commissioning Swords to the newly Commissioned Officers.

The newly Commissioned Officers included Officer Cadets from Intakes 93 B, SC 21, and SC 22, along with ten foreign Officer Cadets from Uganda, Kenya, Gambia, and Zambia. The event began with a ceremonial procession, with the Chief Guest escorted to the SLMA Parade Square by a cavalcade. Military traditions were upheld as SLMA troops presented a Guard Turnout. The Chief Guest then laid a floral wreath at the SLMA War Memorial, paying tribute to Fallen Heroes of the Armed Forces with a minute of silence.

Then the Parade Commander Major U.B Marasinghe USP psc of the Sri Lanka Artillery sought formal permission to commence the parade.

The Chief Guest conducted the ceremonial review of the parade. Special awards were also conferred to the best achievers from each Intake.

Award Winners

Regular Officer Cadet Intake 93 B

First-in-Order of Merit - Battalion Under Officer D.R.K Jayakodi

Sword of Honour - Battalion Under Officer D.R.K Jayakodi

Cane of Honour - Cadet Lance Corporal K. Hussan (Republic of Uganda)

Regular Officer Cadet Intake SC 21

First-in-Order of Merit - Officer Cadet G.A.P Herath

Cane of Honour - Cadet Sergeant A. Bluno (Republic of Uganda)

Regular Officer Cadet Intake SC 22

First-in-Order of Merit - Platoon Under Officer K.M.S Herath

In his address, the Chief Guest commended the graduates for their achievements and reminded them of their responsibilities to the Nation. The event reflected the SLMA’s dedication to producing disciplined and professional Officers to serve the Sri Lanka Army and contribute to international military cooperation.

Following this, the newly Commissioned Officers marched through the symbolic 'Makara Thorana' (archway), accompanied by the SLMA Adjutant.

Following the Commissioning Parade at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium along with the SLMA Commandant, Major General U.L.J.S Perera RSP USP psc, the day’s distinguished guests and parents afterwards joined adorning the shoulders of brave Young Officers with the insignia of the President’s Commission (Pipping Ceremony).

After the Pipping Ceremony, marking the culmination of the Passing Out Parade (PoP) formalities, the traditional Commissioning Dinner was held at the Officer Cadet Mess. The event was graced by the Defence Secretary as the Chief Guest, alongside a host of distinguished guests. The newly promoted Officers were also in attendance, celebrating their achievements and the transition into their professional roles.

Dr (Mrs.) Ruvini Rasika Pereira, Lady to the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Janaki Liyanage, the President of Army Seva Vanitha Unit, Senior Tri-Service Officers, Past Commanders, Foreign Defence Advisors, Spouses of Senior Officers and Families of the Officer Cadets, attended the ceremony.