20th December 2023 14:16:21 Hours
The 98th Commissioning Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, held on December 15 and 16, 2023, marked a pivotal moment in the Academy's history with the culmination of two significant events: a Passing Out Parade where 279 young Officers were commissioned into the Sri Lanka Army and a Colours Re-awarding Ceremony, held after a span of twenty-five years. These events were graced by the Head of the State, His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General (Retired) G D H Kamal Gunarathne WWV RWP RSP USP ndc psc Mphil, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General H LVM Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Defence Attaches, Principal Staff Officers of the Army, Colonel Commandants and Colonels of the Regiments, and parents and well-wishers of passing out Officer Cadets.
On December 15, 2023, a comprehensive research presentation titled "Enhancing United Nations Peacekeeping Operations of the Sri Lanka Army" was conducted at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium. His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, honored the occasion as the Chief Guest. President Wickremesinghe commended the final term Officer Cadets for their academic standards, public speaking, presentation skills and especially the topical value of the subject. The ceremony also featured the ceremonial launch of the fifth volume of the SLMA Journal, with the President inaugurating it and distributing copies among the dignitaries, while making the e-version available on the Academy website.
In military tradition, the awarding of Colours signifies exceptional service in safeguarding the sovereignty, peace, and harmony of the nation, both during war and peace. The Sri Lanka Military Academy had previously received the President's Colours and Academy Colours twice in its history, on 14 October 1972, and 20 June 1997. After a gap of 25 years, His Excellency Ranil Wickremesinghe re-awarded the Presidential Colours and Academy Colours on 16 December 2023, recognizing the Academy's outstanding service to the nation.
Following the Colours Re-awarding Ceremony, the formalities of the 98th Passing Out Parade unfolded. A total of 279 Officer Cadets from Regular Officer Cadet Intake 92, 92B, and Intake Short Course 20, including locally trained Foreign Officer Cadets and those trained abroad, received the presidential commission from President Ranil Wickremesinghe. The momentous award of swords was witnessed by dignitaries, including the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence and the Commander of the Army.
The 'Pipping Ceremony', symbolizing the transition from Officer Cadet to Commissioned Officer took place at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium, with the Commandant of SLMA presiding as the Chief Guest, accompanied by the Defence Attaché to the Republic of the Maldives.
The Commissioning Ceremony concluded with a royal banquet hosted by the SLMA for the newly commissioned officers, attended by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, fostering comradeship and social rapport. The Chief Guest left a special note on the Visitor's Book, acknowledging his splendid visit to the SLMA. Additionally, a Ladies’ Night was organized for the female guests at the Officers’ Mess during the Commissioning Dinner.
In expressing gratitude for the successful culmination of the Colours Re-awarding Ceremony and the 98th Commissioning Ceremony activities, the Sri Lanka Military Academy extends its heartfelt thanks to all personnel directly and indirectly involved in this significant endeavour.
