Defense Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne asked newly commissioned Midshipmen of Sri Lanka Navy to be responsible and accountable for the assets which are maintained from the public money.
“Being a developing country, where the government constantly allocates a considerable portion of its revenue for the country’s defense, even amidst the current economic and political crisis, it is your responsibility to be accountable for your assets which are maintained from the public money,” the Defense Secretary said last evening (July 22).
“The more you reach higher in the ladder; the more you are expected to act responsibly” he said addressing the Commissioning Ceremony of the Navy’s Midshipmen.
The commissioning of Midshipmen of the 35th (Technical) and 36th intakes of General Sir John Kotelawala Defense University (KDU) was held at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee on 22nd July 2022.
At the invitation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense, General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) graced the event as the Chief Guest.
Further addressing the new young officers he went on saying “Navy will always trust you with its assets at your hands and you must ensure the proper utilization of those to attain desired aims while preserving the same for the long run.”
He also reminded newly commissioned officers that higher extent of devotion is expected of them to ensure the security and sovereignty of the nation and to thwart the non-traditional challenges faced by the country in the Indian Ocean region; such as people smuggling drug trafficking, other transnational crimes and threats such as natural disasters.
Further, he asked the young officers to be proud of themselves as they have chosen the perfect path to fulfill their responsibilities and to prove their worthiness to the nation.
Highlighting on the importance of development of abilities and skills through training to succeed in their professional life, he also encouraged young officers to reach higher positions in their careers while overcoming challenges with confidence and honing leadership qualities.
He reminded the navy’s new officers that loyalty towards the nation was never to be questioned and it was mandatory to respect the rules, regulations and laws of the organization and the country.
Defense Secretary presented special awards in recognition of outstanding performances of the Midshipmen.
Accordingly, Midshipman HASV Hapuarachchi was adjudged the best Technical Officer of the 35th Intake of the KDU.
Meanwhile, Midshipman IS Weerasinghe of the 36th Intake of KDU won the Sword of Honor, having been adjudged the Best Midshipman, and the award for the Best Sportsman as well.
Midshipman SN Abeywarna secured two awards for achieving the highest aggregate in both professional and overall subjects. The award for the Best Marksman of the Intake was won by Midshipman RPPS Rajapaksha.
