04th June 2024 15:06:53 Hours
‘DRILL’ plays a significant role in the armed personnel in enhancing their devotedness, duty boundness and discipline. In fact, the term of ‘DRILL’ inculcates the essential attributes such as Discipline, Respect, Integrity, Learning and Leadership. The Drill Instructor Course conducted at the SLMA is designed to indoctrinate military drills within soldiers of the Sri Lanka Army, in order to grow these values within them and to protect the years old military traditions.
The Drill Instructor Course–131, an Intake of 48 SNCOs comprising of Warrant Officers and Sergeants from 19 Regiments of the Sri Lanka Army was conducted for 85 days at the Ella Camp premises of the SLMA. Having successfully completed the DI course and qualified to perform as professional Dis, they passed out at a special ceremony held on 31st May 2024 with the participation of Brigadier RRMPNB Bambaradeniya RWP RSP USP psc, the Commandant (Overlooking) of the Sri Lanka Military Academy as the Chief Guest.
In accordance with parade formalities, the magnificent achievements of these DIs were greatly appreciated by adorning the Drill Instructor Badges on their chests by the Chief Guest, Commanding Officer- Administration Wing and the Chief Instructor-Military Training Wing. Meanwhile, the outstanding performance of DIs in Drill was appreciated with the award of prizes for the First in Order of Merit, the Best Instructional Skills & Personal Drill as well as the First in Theoretical Assessments to Sgt Disanayaka PPT of 6 Ordnance Corps.
By addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest mentioned that drill is a vital requirement in producing disciplined soldiers while enhancing their personality, confidence and leadership skills. Further, the new DIs were instructed to practically apply their theoretical knowledge in military careers and to bring forth long-practiced military traditions and customs.
In line with the Passing Out Ceremony of the DI Course 131, its Certificate Awarding Ceremony was also held at the Sino-Lanka Friendship Auditorium on the day prior to their Passing out Ceremony and these SNCOs were awarded with certificates. Meanwhile, the outstanding achievements of the students were also appreciated with the award of special certificates.
The event came to an end with the hosting of a Dinner Night in celebration of their success at the Warrant Officers & Sergeants’ Mess on 31 evening with the participation of the Chief instructor, Senior Officers and all Officers of the Military Training Wing and the newly passed out Drill Instructors.
