WELCOMING CEREMONY FOR NEW COMMANDOS TO THE COMMANDO NEST

On Saturday, 3 August 2024, at Commando Regiment Training School Uva Kudaoya, the Commando Regiment celebrated an exclusive ceremonial passing out parade to welcome their new maroon berate carriers to the Commando nest.

With unwavering courage and determination, six officers and 125 personnel from Commando Courses 51 ‘H’, ‘I’, and ‘J’ successfully joined the Commando family out of 500 volunteers. This achievement reflects the rigorous efforts of the instructors at the Commando Regiment Training School (CRTS) and the full support from all serving commandos over the course of a year and a half.

The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. He was received by Major General P.G.P.S. Rathnayaka RWP RSP ndc, Colonel of the Regiment, Commando Regiment; Brigadier B.M.S.K.K. Dharmawardena RWP RSP USP, Centre Commandant of the Commando Regimental Centre; Brigadier K.V.I.L. Jayaweera USP, Commander of the Commando Brigade; and Colonel R.R.C. Karunarathne RSP, Commandant of the Commando Regiment Training School. They welcomed him with a formal Guard Turnout at the entrance of the CRTS.

Following the parade, the Chief Guest was invited by the Parade Commander to review and receive the salute at the impressive passing out ceremony. After the parade, the proud parents of the graduating commandos had the honor of pinning the esteemed commando insignia on their courageous sons, exemplifying the Commando motto, “Nothing Impossible.”

The trophies for outstanding performance in the course were awarded to individuals based on their achievements in firing, physical fitness, and overall performance:

Best Commando: Lieutenant GCD Kariyawasam.

Best physical: Private Kumara PKKS.

Best shooter: Lieutenant EDC De Soyza.

The Commander of the Army congratulated and conveyed his best wishes to the newly inducted Commandos during his address to the gathering. He highlighted the crucial role that the Commando Regiment plays in both wartime and peacetime scenarios, emphasizing its significance to the overall strength and effectiveness of the military. He also underscored the importance of applying the confidence and skills gained from the commando training course to shape their personal and professional lives. Following his remarks, the chief guest joined the graduating batch for a group photograph, which marked the conclusion of the first segment of the event.

The day's spectacular event, held at the CRTS drop zone, reached new heights as the stage was prepared for the audience to witness the Commandos' impressive skills through a series of simulated demonstrations. The event showcased the elite and unmatched abilities of the Commandos, featuring sniper shooting, live firing demonstration with various weapons, K9 (War Dogs) handling demonstrations, face-to-face firing drills, hostage rescue operations, VIP protection demonstration, and free-fall demonstrations. These displays offered the gathering an opportunity to observe the professionalism and exceptional capabilities of the Commandos.