16th December 2020 18:08:36 Hours
At the Sri Lanka Military Academy, the Commandant’s Parade is traditionally held two days prior to the Commissioning Parade. On 16th December 2020, the Commandant’s Parade on account of the 95th Commissioning Ceremony was ceremonially held at the Academy Parade Ground with the participation of the Commandant, Brig A K G K U Gnanaratne ndc psc as the Chief Guest. The parade consisted of six squads of passing out cadets and four backup squads formed by the junior cadets. In keeping with the military customs, the parade was commanded by the Adjutant - SLMA, Maj Avantha Ranawaka SLLI. 187 lady and gentleman officer cadets of passing out intake 88, 88B and Lady 18 participated in the parade where the Chief Guest awarded the Champion Company Flag to the Gannoruwa Company which had secured the highest aggregate in all inter-company competitions such as drill, firing, athletics, swimming, physical fitness etc.
Upon arrival, the Chief Guest paid floral tribute to the fallen heroes at the Monument of Peace.
In his address, while thanking the parade staff for the excellent standards, the Commandant appreciated the commendable role played by the Military Academy in grooming officer cadets to have reached high standards required by the Sri Lanka Army amidst restrictions posed by the current COVID 19 pandemic.
