Biggest ever passing out of officer cadets at SLMA

The biggest-ever commissioning parade in the history at Diyathalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) took place on July 4 amidst military traditions and honours, attended by Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka and a host of military chiefs and invitees.

Determined firmly and conscious of their roles and duties in the name of the country, its sovereignty and territorial integrity, 281 officer cadets, of regular Intakes 66, short commission Intakes 14,15,16 and volunteer Intake 46, smartly dressed in their ceremonials passed out during the colourful spectacle that took place at the SLMA parade grounds.

This is the highest ever number of officer cadets who received commissions as Second Lieutenants during one single parade in SLMA’s history.

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka was the Chief Guest.

Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka and SLMA Commandant Brigadier Kumudu Perera received the Prime Minister on his arrival. The Chief Guest laid floral tributes to the SLMA war memorial and paid his respect to their memory. Newly commissioned Officer Cadets afterwards accorded a Guard of Honour to the Prime Minister after he took position in the dais.

The event was followed by a formal inspection of the military parade by the Chief Guest, accompanied by the Army Commander and SLMA Commander before placing of swords in the hands of new officers by the Premier.

The Prime Minister also took time off to plant a sapling at the war memorial premises to mark the event.

Thirty-six Officer Cadets of the Regular Intake 66 followed a two and half year long military and academic course at the SLMA, affiliated to the University of Sabaragamuwa. A degree in Defence studies will be awarded to officers who successfully completed the academic course conducted by the University. An officer who received further training at West Point, USA also passed out with his batch mates.

Training period of the Short Commission Intakes 14,15,16 with 198 officer cadets lasted for one year.

Volunteer Intake 46 received their training for eighteen months at the SLMA. Those who excelled during training also received merit awards from the Chief Guest. During a special ceremony held at the SLMA gymnasium after the parade, parents of the newly commissioned officers adorned the shoulders of their sons with insignia of the President’s Commission.

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, President Seva Vanitha Branch of the Defence Ministry, Public Security and Law and order Ioma Rajapaksa, President Seva Vanitha Army Branch Anoma Fonseka, Senior Military and Police Officers and parents and next of kin of the newly passed out officers were present to witness the parade.