The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of Sri Lanka, General Shavendra Silva, was honored with the distinguished role of Chief Guest at the Passing Out Parade held at the renowned Indian Military Academy (IMA) in Dehradun. This rare privilege afforded General Silva the opportunity to witness the graduation of a new cohort of officers into the Indian Army, an institution renowned for producing highly skilled and patriotic military leaders.
General Shavendra Silva, upon his arrival on December 9, 2023, was warmly welcomed by Lieutenant General Manoj Kumar Katiyar AVSM, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Indian Army’s Western Command, and Lieutenant General Vijay Kumar Mishra AVSM, the Commandant of IMA. The Chief Guest was ceremonially escorted to the saluting dais, where he took the salute from the passing out officer cadets, marking the commencement of a meticulously conducted Passing Out Parade, steeped in IMA's rich traditions of military precision.
Following the salute, General Shavendra Silva conducted a thorough review of the Passing Out Parade in a ceremonial vehicle, paying close attention to the details that underscore military excellence. He then proceeded to present awards to Officer Cadets who demonstrated outstanding performance, including the prestigious Sword of Honour for the Best Overall Officer Cadet.
Subsequently, the Chief Guest addressed the newly commissioned officer cadets and the gathered audience, extending heartfelt congratulations on embarking on a new chapter in their military careers. General Shavendra Silva commended the passing out officers for their exemplary display of military drills and shared invaluable insights into the essence of true leadership.
As the senior-most serving General from a neighboring country, General Shavendra Silva emphasized principles such as hard work, team care, the importance of sharing success, and facing failure on behalf of the troops under command. He highlighted the significant role the officers play as representatives of the Indian Army, inspiring them with a vision for a promising future filled with the right spirit, diligence, and integrity.
Acknowledging the Officer Cadets from friendly foreign nations who successfully completed their training at IMA, General Shavendra Silva commended the institution's leadership, instructors, and staff for consistently upholding the highest training standards with world-class facilities.
In his concluding remarks, General Shavendra Silva emphasized that the greatness of military personnel is not measured by years of service or rank but by the sacrifices they are willing to make for the betterment of their nation and its people. The grand military ceremony witnessed the participation of parents of the Officer Cadets, senior officers from the Indian armed forces, government officials, diplomats, and distinguished guests, marking a momentous occasion in the history of the Indian Military Academy.
