Financial Chronicle – President Anura Kumara Dissanayake highlighted the significant responsibility of the Sri Lanka Navy in safeguarding the nation during a commissioning and passing-out parade held at the Trincomalee Naval and Maritime Academy.

“We are an island nation, we have a 1,340-kilometer coastline to safeguard, a maritime area eight times the size of the country, and an area 21 times the size that we are responsible for,” President Dissanayake stated, addressing members of the forces and invited guests at the event.

The President commended the Sri Lanka Navy for its crucial efforts in combating drug-related challenges, which he identified as one of the nation’s most significant issues. He also praised the Navy’s swift response and assistance during and after the recent Cyclone Ditwah disaster.

During the ceremony, eight directly commissioned officers of Intake 2024/03, 33 officers from the 40th intake of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, and 25 officers from the 65th cadet intake of the Trincomalee Naval and Maritime Academy were formally commissioned.

Awards were presented to senior sailors who demonstrated exceptional performance during their training. Newly commissioned officers also received ceremonial swords from President Dissanayake in recognition of their achievement.

(Colombo/Dec15/2025)