Govt to find opportunities for security forces in international arena

President Maithripala Sirisena today said that the government would find opportunities for Sri Lankan security forces including tri forces to perform at a high international level by finding them more training opportunities abroad to absorb new technical knowledge available in advanced countries in the world.

The President made these remarks at the passing out ceremony of commissioning of 81 middle-level naval officers of the 53rd batch of the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee. The ceremony was held yesterday, under the patronage of the President.

President Sirisena who arrived in the Naval and Maritime Academy was welcomed with a guard of honor of the Navy. He then observed the passing out parade. The batch included 40 middle-level Officers of Executive ranks, 20 officers of Supply Section, 12 officers of Navy Soldier Section and 9 officers of the Engineering and Electric Engineering sections.

The President awarded trophies to cadets who had performed well during their training and five officers were conferred with the Sword of Honour.

Addressing the gathering the President further said that as an Island-nation, the naval sector is extremely important to us, and as previous governments, the present government also had taken many steps to develop the strength of the Navy, which is entrusted with the task of safeguarding national security.

The President praised the SLN’s remarkable role in accomplishing its duties and responsibilities towards the nation in defeating LTTE terrorism.

Governor of the Eastern Province, Austin Fernando, Chief Minister, Ahamed Nazeer, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Commander of the Navy, Rear Admiral Ravindra Wijegunawardana and Senior Navy officers were present at this event.