The Insignia Awarding Ceremony of the 21st Intake of the Special Boat Squadron (SBS) was held at the SBS Headquarters in Trincomalee on the 21st of April 2014. Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
A large audience including family members of the SBS personnel was also present along with senior naval officers including Commander of Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Rohan Amarasinghe and Commanding Officer of SBS, Commander Nalinda Jayasinghe.
The spectators were treated to a well-executed display of SBS combat skills, which included rig drop & insertion, arrow craft manoeuvres, mock raid on a beach hide-out, high speed recovery, anti-drowning drill, combat diving and close quarter combat, conducted at the Nicholson Cove.
SBS personnel who showed excellence during training were presented with special awards in recognition of their achievements. Lieutenant HLDKLK Liyanaarachchi was adjudged the Best SBS under training and was also presented with the award for the highest aggregate marks in all subjects. Ordinary Seaman RMLN Rathnayake clinched the award for the Best Physical Fitness while Able Seaman MKK Chandima won the award for the Best Marksman.
The 21st Intake underwent a rigorous training which included a 9-month basic training followed by a 6-month on the job training (OJT).
[mappress] Press Release, April 22, 2014; Image: Sri Lanka Navy