Uva-Kudaoya Commando Training Centre receives its first Commander

The 40th batch of Commando troops Passing Out Parade (POP) with 20 officers and 655 soldiers took place last Saturday at Uva-Kudaoya Commando Training School. Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya was the Chief Guest.

Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya was the first to take part in the Uva-Kudaoya Commando Training School POP in his capacity as Army Chief, creating history in the Commando Training School.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya on arrival at the venue was received by Major General Shavendra Silva the Acting Colonel of the Regiment of Commandos and conducted to inspect the Guard Turnout followed by a Guard of Honour accorded to him.

Later, the Army Commander awarded Maroon Berets to officers who passed out while Major General Shavendra Silva, Major General Chagi Gallage and some senior officers awarded Maroon Berets to soldiers. Parents and next of kin of passed out soldiers pined Commando badges on soldiers. The Army Commander awarded prizes for the Best Student of the Course - 2/Lieutenant T. M. B. Tennakoon, the Best Shooter - 2/Lieutenant K.V.C Witharanage and Best Student in Physical Training - 2/Lieutenant K Thiwanka at the award ceremony.

A special show was conducted at the end of the ceremony showing the strength, military skills and fighting capabilities of the Commandos.

Officers and soldiers including Commandant of Commando Training School Lieutenant Colonel Uditha Bandara, Training School’s Chief Instructor Major P. J. U. S. Pilapitiya and about 12,000 relatives and friends of passed out Commandos were present. At the conclusion of POP the Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya was awarded a memento by Major General Shavendra Silva, in memory of this historic visit to Uva-Kudaoya Commando Training School.