THIRTY-TWO(32) NAVAL ARTIFICER APPRENTICES PASS OUT AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF TRAINING AT NAVAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
FTHIRTY-TWO(32) NAVAL ARTIFICER APPRENTICES PASS OUT AFTER SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF TRAINING AT NAVAL INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
The 22nd Artificer Intake of the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) in Welisara celebrated a momentous occasion on 20th June 2025, as 32 naval artificer apprentices successfully graduated in a prestigious ceremony held at the NIT’s main parade ground. The event, presided over by Rear Admiral Hasantha Dassanaike, the Director General Engineering, was attended by senior naval officers, training staff, and proud parents. The apprentices, having completed their rigorous three and a half years training, were awarded the National Diploma in Technology (NDT) from both General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and Sri Lanka Navy. The ceremony highlighted the exceptional achievements of several apprentices across various disciplines:
Highest Aggregate in Marine Engineering: Engine Room Artificer I MKRN Fernando,
Highest Aggregate in Electrical Engineering: Electrical Artificer I KDA Kodikara,
Highest Aggregate in Electronic and Telecommunication Engineering: Radio Electronic Artificer I RMDTK Rathnayaka,
Highest Aggregate in Hull Repair & Ship Construction Engineering: Shipwright Artificer I LSD Liyanage,
Highest Aggregate in Automobile Engineering: Automobile Artificer I KGAC Maduranga,
Best Marksman: Radio Electronic Artificer I RMDTK Rathnayaka,
Best Sportsman: Engine Room Artificer I PGUD Rathnayaka,
Best Artificer of the 22nd Intake: Radio Electronic Artificer I IGSI Jayasena.
During the ceremony the chief guest, Rear Admiral Hasantha Dassanaike commended the graduates for their dedication and urged them to leverage their technical expertise to bolster the Navy’s maritime security efforts and protect the nation’s sovereignty. He also extended his gratitude to the parents for their unwavering support and the training staff for their commitment to nurturing the sailors’ professionalism.
The ceremony was further enlivened by captivating performances by the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe. Distinguished attendees included Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardena, Director General Training; Rear Admiral Nishantha Perera, Commandant Volunteer Naval Force; Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Premarathne Director General Personnel and other senior officers from the Navy Headquarters, Western Naval Command, and Welisara Naval Complex, alongside the parents of the graduates.
The practical projects exhibited by the graduates served as a testament to the successful integration of theoretical learning with real-world application, drawing considerable admiration from attendees.
The passing out parade symbolized the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, launching these young artificers into their naval careers with pride, confidence, and a renewed sense of duty.
