24th December 2025 14:05:19 Hours
The 100th Commissioning Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, held on 20th and 21st December 2025, was a landmark event in the Academy’s illustrious history, heralding the commissioning of 240 promising officer cadets from Regular Intakes 93, 94B, SC 23, Lady Intake 20, Intake 62 (V), and Lady Intake 19 (V). This historic milestone unfolded through four grand events: the Final Research Presentation, the Commissioning Parade, the Pipping Ceremony, and the Commissioning Banquet/Guest Night—each celebrating the cadets’ dedication, achievements, and proud transition from disciplined trainees to commissioned officers of the Sri Lanka Army.
On 20 December 2025, the passing-out Officer Cadets delivered a well-researched presentation on “Hybrid Warfare in the Digital Age: the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Modern Military Strategy” to an audience of military and civilian intellectuals. The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General KP Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc as the Chief Guest, alongside the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lashantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, the Vice Chancellor of the Sir John Kotelawela Defence University, the Chief of Staff, Inspector General of Police, former Commanders of the Army and Commandants of the SLMA, Senior Officers, Defence Attachés, and other distinguished guests. Following the presentation and views & comments session, the Chief Guest commended the final-term officer cadets for their high academic standards, validity of the research in the contemporary world and their presentation skills. The event also featured the e-launch of the 7th consecutive volume of the SLMA Journal, with copies distributed among the distinguished guests.
On 21 December 2025, the historic 100th Passing Out Parade was ceremonially conducted at the Sri Lanka Military Academy. Upon arrival, the Chief Guest, His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, laid a wreath at the Monument of Peace, paying floral tribute to the fallen heroes. During the Parade, a total of 240 Officer Cadets including eight locally trained foreign cadets (four from the Republic of Zambia, two from the Republic of Rwanda, one from the Republic of Uganda, and one from the Republic of Zambia) and four PMA-trained local Officer Cadets were awarded the President’s Commission in the presence of the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General KP Aruna Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) WWV, RWP and two Bars, RSP and Bar USP, MMSc (Strat Stu-China), MSc (Def Stu) in Management, MSc (Def & Strat Stu) fndu (China) psc, the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Lashantha Rodrigo RSP ctf-ndu psc IG, the Commander of the Navy, the Commander of the Air Force, the Inspector General of Police, former Army Commanders and Commandants of the SLMA, and many local and foreign dignitaries including Defene Attaches of friendly foreign countries. The commissioned Officer Cadets comprised 71 from Regular Intake 93 who completed a two-year and nine-month Bachelor’s degree programme, 109 from Regular Intake 94B, 33 from Intake SC 23, 8 from Regular Lady Intake 20 along with 2 PMA-trained Lady Cadets, 14 from Volunteer Intake 62 and 3 from Volunteer Lady Intake 19, all of whom successfully completed the prescribed military training packages at the SLMA. During the 100th Commissioning Parade, the Gannoruwa Company ceremonially handed over the Champions Flag to the Vijithapura Company, which was officially recognized as the Best All-Round Company for 2025 by the Chief Guest, His Excellency the President.
At the 100th Commissioning Parade, outstanding Officer Cadets were recognized for their exceptional performance, dedication, and leadership. The President’s Award for the First in Order of Merit was presented to Cadet Sgt RMMP Bandara of Lady Intake 19 (V), Officer Cadet RDIP Jayalath of Intake 62(V), Cadet Corporal MGPM Lakmali of Lady Intake 20, Platoon Under Officer WMBM Wickramasinghe of Short Course Intake 23, Company Under Officer WPS Akalanka of Intake 94 B and Battalion Under Officer SMAJ Samarakoon of Intake 93 respectively. Meanwhile, the Cane of Honour awarded to the Best All-Round Foreign Officer Cadet was presented to Cadet Sgt Sulochi Kayombo from the Republic of Zambia of Intake 93. In recognition of their outstanding all-round performance, the Sword of Honour was presented to Company Under Officer WPS Akalanka of Intake 94 B and Battalion Under Officer SMAJ Samarakoon of Intake 93, highlighting their exemplary achievements and unwavering dedication to excellence.
Addressing the distinguished gathering comprising parents of the newly commissioned officers, at the historic 100th Commissioning Parade, His Excellency the President paid deep tribute to the invaluable sacrifices made at varied levels. He warmly appreciated the parents for their selfless decision to allow their children to join the Sri Lanka Army and commended the young officers for dedicating their lives to a demanding, disciplined, and selfless profession in the service of the nation. He also solemnly honoured the fallen heroes whose ultimate sacrifices safeguarded the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the motherland. Highlighting the exemplary role of the Sri Lanka Army, the President acknowledged its unwavering service both during times of war and in national emergencies, with special emphasis on the recent disasters the country had to endure. Furthermore, he congratulated the newly commissioned officers on their outstanding calibre and resilience in successfully completing rigorous military training, reminding them that bearing the sword and wearing the rank on their shoulders is not only a mark of honour but also a profound responsibility to the nation.
The 100th Commissioning Parade was further commemorated with the ceremonial launch of a special postage stamp by the Deputy Minister of Defence, in the distinguished presence of eminent military, local and foreign dignitaries.
After this remarkable moment, the traditional 'Pipping Ceremony' was held, marking the transition from cadetship to Commissioned Officers. The event was graced by the Commandant as the Chief Guest, alongside Defence Attachés, SLMA staff, and the proud parents and family members of the newly commissioned officers.
The Commissioning Ceremony reached its grand culmination with the traditional Commissioning Dinner held at the Officer Cadet Mess, celebrating the royal tradition of officer commissioning. The event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence as the Chief Guest, alongside the Commander of the Army, all Colonel Commandants and Colonels of the Regiments, Defence Attachés, and SLMA staff. The newly commissioned officers attended with pride, marking both their achievements and their formal induction into the professional ranks of the Sri Lanka Army.
Alongside the Commissioning Dinner, a Ladies’ Night was hosted at the Officers’ Mess for the ladies and distinguished dignitaries. The event was graced by the presence of Mrs. Sujeewa Jayasekara, together with Mrs. Swendrini Rodrigo, President of the Army Seva Vanitha Unit, and the wives of military officers.
The President, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and the Commander of the Army were presented with special plaques in appreciation of their gracious presence at the 100th Commissioning Parade by the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Major General MJRS Medagoda RSP USP ndc psc IG. Moreover, the President and the Deputy Minister of Defence also signed the Visitors’ Book.
Subsequent to the successful 100th Commissioning Ceremony, on the morning of the 22nd, the Commander of the Army addressed all Officers and Other Ranks of the Sri Lanka Military Academy. He commended them on their efforts and hosted a tea party, during which he extended his good wishes for the New Year along with seasonal greetings.
The Commandant and staff of the Sri Lanka Military Academy wish to express their sincere appreciation to all personnel whose commitment and hard work ensured the resounding success of the historic 100th Commissioning Ceremony, making it a truly memorable milestone in the Academy’s legacy.
