Diploma Awarding Ceremony – 2025

The Sri Lanka Military Academy proudly hosted its 06th Diploma Awarding Ceremony on 05 August 2025 on a ceremonious note at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium, celebrating the academic and professional accomplishments of 223 lady and gentleman officers of Intake 90, 59 (V), Intake Lady 17, Lady 16 (V), Lady 18, 18 A, Intake 60 (V), Lady 17 (V), Lady 19, Intake Short Course 19, 19A, 61(V), 61 A (V) and Lady 18 (V).

The day commenced with the assembly of the diploma recipient officers, followed by the arrival of guests, academic and military staff. The ceremony gained momentum with the arrival of the Commandant of SLMA, the Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, who was ceremonially welcomed with a Drive Past at the ‘A’ Gate.

A special highlight of the morning was the unveiling of the "Wall of the Braves" by the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General B K G M L Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, who graced the ceremony as the Chief Guest. The concept of the Wall of the Braves was envisioned and brought to life by the Commander himself. It was established to immortalize those extraordinary individuals who were posthumously awarded the Parama Weera Vibhushanaya (PWV), the highest gallantry decoration in the Republic of Sri Lanka for acts of supreme bravery in the defence of the nation. Notably, all 11 officers commemorated on the Wall received their training at the very same institution, the Sri Lanka Military Academy.

A solemn two-minute silence was observed in honour of fallen heroes before the formal declaration of the Diploma Awarding Ceremony open by the Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University Rear Admiral H G U Dammika Kumara VSV USP psc MMaritimepol BSc in Defence Studies.

The proceedings included the conferment of Diplomas and Higher Diplomas, awarded by the Vice Chancellor and the Chief Guest, the Commander of the Army respectively. The graduands received their awards in the presence of military and academic dignitaries, signifying a significant step in their professional journey.

The ceremony was further enriched by an inspiring address delivered by the Commander of the Army, followed by a vote of thanks presented by the Commandant of SLMA. A symbolic presentation of mementos by the Commandant to the VC and the Commander of the Army marked the culmination of the formalities.

The event concluded with the National Anthem. A group photograph captured the momentous day, followed by refreshments and lunch hosted at the Comdt’s Lobby and Officers’ Mess respectively. The signing of the Visitors’ Book by the VC and the Commander of the Army added a ceremonial closure to this prestigious event.

The SLMA continues to uphold its proud tradition of excellence, blending military discipline with academic rigour to produce future leaders for the nation. The Diploma Awarding Ceremony of 2025 once again reflected the institution’s unwavering commitment to shaping competent and ethical officers for the Sri Lanka Army.