Navy Commander, role model for students

Nihal Jayawardena

New Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage's character is a good example to the student generation, said Central Province Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa.

Governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa said so addressing the gathering at a felicitation ceremony attended by Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayaneth Colombage at his Alma mater, St Sylvester's College Kandy on Tuesday.

The manner in which he overcame challenges in life by assiduously engaging in extra curricular activities from school days without restricting himself to book knowledge and university education to seek a traditional job is exemplary, he said.

Kobbekaduwa said Vice Admiral Colombage is a distinguished old boy of St Sylvester's, who has been the Head Prefect in school. As a colleague and a friend in the same class, he knew Colombage as a disciplined student who was obedient to his teachers. He was a good example to students.

Vice Admiral Colombage said he had achieved the highest position in the Navy after 35 years service in various positions in the Navy.

The grounding he received at St Sylvester's College as a student had helped him a long way in achieving his high position. St Sylvester's College Principal T R S Meetiyagoda said while in school, Vice Admiral Colombage had excelled in many fields apart from his studies.

He had been a talented athlete, a member of the cadet corps and Head Prefect.

The school's cadet platoon presented a guard of honour to the new Navy Chief. Vice Admiral Colombage handed over a wooden replica of a navigation wheel to the principal as a memento to the school.

The Navy Commander also pinned badges to the school's newly appointed prefects.