Navy chief tells newly commissioned officers :

'Be gentlemen with leadership qualities'

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The main task of all members of the three Forces is to prevent another war in Sri Lanka, They owe it first to the Motherland, then to the men under their command and finally, to themselves and their families, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage said. He was addressing the Commissioning and Passing Out Parade at the main parade ground of the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA) in Trincomalee on Saturday.

The newly commissioned officers will one day lead the Navy, for which the Academy and the Fleet have laid the foundation, he said.

They have to build a solid edifice with a solid structure to carve out a career, a future and one's life, becoming not only a capable mariner, but also a gentleman of refined qualities by developing professional abilities and leadership qualities over the years,Vice Admiral Colombage said.

Fifty-nine officers including eight officers of the Direct Entry (RNF) Fourth Intake 2011 Officer Category, four officers of the Direct Entry (RNF) Second Intake 2012 Officer Category and 47 midshipmen of the 50th Intake of the NMA passed out under flood lights.

The Navy Commander expressed his gratitude to the parents who gave their consent for their sons to join the Sri Lanka Navy.

They are all now disciplined, methodical, knowledgeable and ready to serve the country, Vice Admiral Colombage said.

Midshipman A A D M Dias of the 50th Intake was adjudged the Best Midshipman while Midshipman S W S Jayasinghe won the award for the Best Marksman.

Sub Lieutenant K H M W L B Abeysinghe was selected as the Best Direct Entry Officer while Lieutenant M S K N Dharmapala was adjudged the Best Direct Entry Officer.

Senior naval officers attached to Navy Headquarters, Naval and Maritime Academy Commodore Commandant Ruwan Perera, delegates representing foreign missions in Sri Lanka and Officers attached to the area were also present.