37 RABS personnel awarded insignia on completion of training

On successful completion of the Qualifying Course-25, to enter the Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS), one officer and 36 sailors received insignia at the parade ground of RABS Headquarters in Gangewadiya, Puttalam on 10 March 2021. The event was held under the patronage of Commander, Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral S.B. Senarathne at the invitation of Commanding Officer RABS, Commander Sagara Udayanga.

The trainees followed complete six (6) months of comprehensive training, sharpening their skills on RABS duties, lifesaving as well as rescue missions that are carried out during disaster situations.

In recognition of the training excellence, the course participants were presented with special awards. The award for the Best Trainee was secured by Able Seaman C.L.S. Jayasinghe. Ordinary Infantryman Y.S.C. Wijesiri was adjudged the Best Boat Handler. Meanwhile, Able Seaman S.P.D.A.S. Migara received the award for the Best Lifesaver, while Ordinary Seaman H.M.H. Chathuranga won the award for the trainee with Best Physical Fitness.

Following the insignia awarding ceremony, the recipients had a display of various lifesaving rescue scenarios using different types of life saving equipment.

The event, held in keeping with COVID prevention health guidelines, was also attended by Deputy Area Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Commodore Prasad Kariyapperuma, senior and junior officers as well as sailors from the command.