COMMISSIONING PARADE OF SLMA BESTOWED 279 YOUNG OFFICERS

In a resplendent display of dedication and commitment to safeguarding the cherished sovereignty of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa proudly witnessed the passing out of 279 officer cadets during a magnificent parade held at the Academy Parade Ground today (16 December). His Excellency President Ranil Wickremesinghe graced the occasion as the chief guest and symbolizing the grandeur and esteemed presidential commission of the passing out officer cadets.

The commencement of the day’s event rejuvenated the history of the academy with the reawarding of the President’s Colours and Academic Colours to the esteemed SLMA after 26 years by His Excellency the President. Accepting the honours, the Commandant of the SLMA, Major General M T I Mahalekam WWV RWP RSP USP ndu psc assured that he along with the staff would preserve the honours bestowed upon the academy. Thereafter, the commissioning parade, a momentous occasion, saw the awarding of ceremonial swords by His Excellency the President to the commissioning officer cadets of Regular Intake 92, Intake 92 Bravo and Intake SC 20, symbolically representing the Presidential Commission and acknowledging the honour associated with their noble profession of arms.

Addressing the newly commissioned officers, the chief guest congratulated their hard earned achievement unmatched with any other profession. He further explained about the responsibilities of a commissioned officer and instructed to discharge their duties honestly abiding to the preserved high traditions of the Army.

Distinguished guests including State Minister of Defence Honorable Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, Secretary of the Ministry of Defence General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc MPhil, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, the Commander of the Army, esteemed past Commandants of SLMA, Diplomats, and numerous senior Army officers graced the occasion.

The CDS praised the Commandant and the SLMA staff for their outstanding performance, emphasizing their skillful coordination in executing the parade and their meticulous attention to detail in the military drill, reflecting the high standards of professionalism within the Sri Lanka Military Academy. The CDS extended heartfelt congratulations to the newly commissioned officers, recognizing their dedication, and readiness to serve the nation with valour, commitment, and a profound sense of duty.

The proud parents and relatives of the passing out cadets also shared in the significance of this monumental day. The ceremony culminated with the Intake group photographs taken at the Parade Squar with the Chief Guest.