177 more Cadet Officers at SLMA Passing Out

The ceremonial passing out parade (PoP) of 177 Officer Cadets who successfully completed their training at Diyatalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA), took place on Saturday (25), amidst a gathering of distinguished military officers, including Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal W.D.R.M.J Goonetilake as chief guest and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.

These newly commissioned officers, who followed the SLMA training under the Regular Intake 70, Volunteer Intake 49 and the Short Commission Intake 18A after the PoP on Saturday (25), will assume duties around the country as defenders of the nation with the intention of serving the motherland.

The event’s chief guest, Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal W.D.R.M.J Goonetilake on arrival at the parade ground was received by the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.  Not forgetful of their past sacrifices, the chief guest laid a floral tribute at the SLMA war memorial and paid his respects to their memory as the first segment on the day’s agenda before the ceremony got underway.

The chief guest thereafter awarded Commissioning Swords to the Officer Cadets, symbolising their commissions before receiving the salute from the new officers during the colourful parade. Those 76 Cadet Officers in the Regular Intake 70 pursued an extensive training course that spanned for more than 30 months after they began same on 9 January 2009.

74 Cadet Officers after completion of one year of training at SLMA under the Volunteer Intake 49 as well as 27 more Cadet Officers who followed an 18 month long training course under the Short Commission Intake 18A received their commissions on that day.

Platoon Under Officer U.D.D. Suranga of Intake 70 was honoured with the Sword of Honour for the Best Overall Performance (1st in order of merit) and the President’s Trophy for achieving the highest aggregate marks in their respective Intakes. Major O.N. Manage served as the parade commander.

During a special ceremony, held at the SLMA gymnasium after the parade with the presence of the SLMA Commandant Brigadier Ruwan Kulatunge, the parents of the newly Commissioned Officers adorned the shoulders of their brave and beloved sons with the insignia of the President’s Commission as a  main segment of the day’s itinerary.