09th June 2023 13:28:55 Hours
‘DRILL’ which stands for Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Learning and Leadership holds a prominent place in improving togetherness, working under one command and instilling discipline within soldiers. In line with this core concept, Drill Instructor Course at the Sri Lanka Military Academy is designed and conducted to inculcate military drills within soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army.
The 129th Drill Instructor Course began on 8th February 2023 with ninety-one students that included Warrant Officers and Sergeants from 19 Regiments of the Sri Lanka Army. Having successfully completed the four-month intensive DI course, 79 Senior Non-Commissioned Officers were qualified to have their fall out from the Commandant’s Parade’ on 06th June 2023. In general, the Commandant’s Parade marks the climax of the Drill Instructor Course with a traditional parade where the badges of the Drill Instructor Course are placed on their uniforms, excellent performance of the trainees are appreciated with awards of achievements and a glamourous drill display by the passing out DIs is performed.
The Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Major General I A N B Perera RWP USP ndu psc graced the Fall Out Ceremony of the Drill Instructor Course-129 as the Chief Guest. In accordance with Parade formalities, the magnificent achievements of these instructors were greatly appreciated by adorning the Drill Instructor Badges on their chests by the Chief Guest, CO- Admin Wing and the Chief Instructor-MTW. Meanwhile, the outstanding performance of Drill Instructors in Drill was valued with the award of prizes for the First in Theoretical Assessments to S/Sgt Amaraweera S P K RWP RSP USP of 3 SF and the prizes for the First in Order of Merit and the Best Instructional Skills & Personal Drill to Sgt Wimalaweera R P M M of 1 SLAGSC.
By addressing the gathering, the Commandant stressed that drill is essential in producing disciplined soldiers while building their personality and leadership. Further, they were instructed on practical application of their theoretical knowledge in military life and to carry forward prolonged military traditions and customs on their way to their career progression.
Three days prior to the Fall Out Ceremony of Drill Instructors, a Certificate Awarding Ceremony was held at the Sino Lanka Friendship Auditorium, where the successful completion of four-month long drill instructor course by the Senior Non-Commissioned Officers was recognized with the award of certificates while the outstanding achievements of the students were also credited with the award of special certificates.
The event came to an end with the hosting of a Dinner Night in celebration of their grand success at Warrant Officers’ & Sergeants’ Mess on Tuesday evening (06th June), attended by the Commandant, Wing Heads, Senior Officers, Officers and these Senior Non-Commissioned Drill Instructors.
