04th April 2023 12:32:37 Hours
‘DRILL’ always sets the backbone of military and it is the first thing that a soldier learns from the outset of military training to the culmination of his splendid military profession. Having perceived the significance of Drill, a ten-day Basic Drill Instructor Refresher programme with the assistance of a handpicked professional DIs from School of Ceremonial UK was conducted at the Sri Lanka Military Academy from 20th March to 30th March 2023.
On 20th March 2023, its Opening Address was held at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium with the participation of forty-eight Drill Instructors, selected from the Army (24 DIs), Navy (12 DIs) and Airforce (12 DIs) with the prime objective of updating and refreshing drill related knowledge of the tri-forces as a concept of the Defence Attaché of the United Kingdom to Sri Lanka and the Republic of Maldives, Colonel Paul Clayton in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Directorate of Training of the Sri Lanka Army.
On 30th March, the Drill Instructor Refresher Programme reached its culmination with a Certificate Awarding Ceremony at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium where all the DI students were awarded with certificates in successful completion of the programme. Also, the excellent drill performance of the students, namely Sergeant Rasnekgedera RGSCRK of the Sri Lanka Army, Leading Seaman G S Illangathilaka of the Sri Lanka Navy and Sergeant Madusanka PHD of the Sri Lanka Air Force were appreciated with the award of Pace Sticks. Further, the dedication and commitment of the Drill Instructors - UK were highly credited with the award of tokens of appreciation by Major General I A N B Perera RWP USP ndu psc, the Commandant-SLMA gracing the occasion as the Chief Guest.
By making the closing remarks, the Chief Guest stressed upon the rare opportunity of following a Basic Drill Instructor Refresher Course locally and advised them on the importance of imparting their learning experiences to enhance drill within the military personnel, their moral and physical upbringing in due course.
