Navy Chief feted by his alma mater

Sri Lanka Navy Commander Vice Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake was felicitated by his alma mater, Mayurapada Madya Maha Vidyalaya at Narammala in Kurunegala.

The felicitation ceremony organized by the school’s Past Pupil Association was held on February 25.

The Navy Commander was received by the Principal and the staff. The School Cadets made a Street Line and the School Navy Cadet Platoon awarded him a Guard of Honour. Two-minute silence was observed in honour of the war heroes.

A large number of dignitaries including Ven Welamitiyawe Kusaladamma Thera, Cultural Affairs and National Heritage Minister T B Ekanayake, Environment Minister Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, Past Pupil Dayasiri Jayasekera MP, Kurunegala District Parliamentarian Shantha Bandara, Navy Seva Vanitha Unit President and Navy Commander’s wife Neluka Kamani Dissanayake, Ranaviru Seva Authority President Padma Wettewa, Principal, Staff, students and well-wishers were present. The Navy Commander said all comrades-in-arms who fought along with us and sacrificed their lives also deserve the tribute I receive today.

“Admiral Karannagoda who gave leadership to our naval battle too deserves this tribute,” he said.

“I state with full that today, I receive tribute and social recognition as the Commander of a victorious Navy due to the fearless unwavering state leadership. We are honoured today due to the support we received from our Commander-in-Chief President Mahinda Rajapaksa and the encouragement we received from our Defence Secretary.

As such, they also deserve this honour and tribute. We must preserve the freedom which we won with great sacrifices.”