Upon his arrival, Commander of the Navy, his spouse Mrs. Chandima Ulugetenne and their daughter were cordially welcomed by the Old Royalist, the Principal and tutorial staff and were ushered in procession to the college premises by College Band.
Meanwhile, the school cadet platoon accorded Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne a Guard of Honour before he paid floral tribute to the fallen war heroes at the special War Heroes’ monument at the college premises. Thereupon, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne left his remarks in the Visitor’s Book and also took time off to visit the Cadet Room of Royal College to refresh his past memories.
The Principal of Royal College in his address presented greetings to Vice Admiral Ulugetenne who celebrated his birthday on the day of felicitation (18th September) and stated how elated they were to extend their sentiments of appreciation and felicitation to Vice Admiral Ulugetenne who was appointed as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. Moreover, the Principal went on underlining that Commander of the Navy is a good role model for the fledging Royalist to follow.
Further, the distinguished gathering was also addressed by Mr. Janak Weerakkodi a school colleague of Commander of the Navy and a fellow cadet of Royal College, recalling fond memories they shared at school. Moreover, former Commander of the Navy and the Chairman of Old Royalist Cadet Association, Admiral (Retd) Thisara Samarasinghe made his remarks on the incumbent Commander of the Navy, with regard to his distinguished naval career.
In his address to the occasion, Commander of the Navy at the outset was thankful to the Old Royalist Cadet Association for organizing this event and expressed his delight of returning to Royal College as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy as well as becoming a member of Royal Club of Past Service Commanders.
Additionally, recalling the reminiscence of college days, he went on to say that Royal College was a unique place where he learned good lessons as how to live in harmony, embrace equality and refined core values to lead a successful career. Urging the budding Royalists to inculcate qualities like discipline, patience, commitment and hard work that will be key elements for successful progression of a personality, Commander of the Navy also requested the students not to become a prey of the drug menace as well as slaves to technology.
Making the sequence of events more dignified, the grade 01 teacher of Commander of the Navy, Mrs. Sugathapala and Master in Charge of the Royal College Cadet Contingent, Mr. M.N. Dharmarathna were also present on this occasion of grand felicitation.
The event was also attended by the Principal of Royal College, staff members, former principals and teachers, Old Royalists, former senior tri-service officers produced by the college, currently serving senior officers from the tri-service and Police, students and a large gathering of distinguished guest
