Naval officer's duty to country foremost - Vice Admiral Sandagiri
 

Trincomalee correspondent

Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri participating as the chief guest at the commissioning parade of 90 midshipmen said being a naval officer your duty to the country should be first and foremost.

He said as you all are aware today that the whole country is looking forward to achieve lasting peace and harmony through the ongoing peace process of the government.

The Vice Admiral said we being members of a disciplined and responsible armed force of the country it is our paramount duty to commit ourselves at this critical juncture to ensure the success of the government's peace effort which has already won the hearts and minds of the international community and in many diasporas.

He said today not only us but even the fellow countrymen are enjoying the benefits of peace even at a fragile state. Statistics show that our beloved country is developing and progressing economically and socially where quality of life is improving day by day. Vice Admiral Sandagiri said, "It is very pertinent to mention that we are at a very crucial situation as far as the national security is concerned. All our contributions should be aimed at our incline to achieve success in the peace effort. Those who have now joined the Navy are on the threshold of a career with which you will ensure that we maintain the unitary status of the country and also engage in the process of eradicating terrorism.

The Navy Commander advised the new entrants to the Navy to consider themselves privileged since they have joined the Navy being the first line of defence.

He said all are aware that there are many things that we need to concentrate, contribute and sacrifice even at this transitional period.

The Navy Commander told the newly commissioned naval officers that they may face various kinds of obstacles in life. But being trained naval officers they should always act with responsibility, dedication, commitment, trust and loyalty. The reciprocal faith of the subordinates, peers and superiors that the new officers develop when performing duty will be the highest credential they can earn.

The chief guest said he was delighted to know that ninety officers are being commissioned on this day and it is the highest number ever commissioned in the history of the renowned Naval and Maritime Academy that has nurtured all the officers who serve the Sri Lanka Navy including himself.

Vice Admiral Sandagiri thanked Indian government and Naval authorities who pave the way for Sri Lankan Naval Officers to undergo training at their prestigious cadet training school INS Mandovi and he was delighted to have cadets from the Republic of Maldives here to undergo training.

The ninety newly commissioned officers belonged to the 34th intake of midshipmen, 19th intake of Kotalawala Defence Academy Midshipmen (executive and supply and technical) 38th intake (Chavane Division and Brown division). The parade was commanded by Lt. Commander, K. G. N. Ranaweera.