DEHRADUN, June 14 — Emotions ran high at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) on Saturday as Lieutenant General BKGM Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Sri Lankan Army, returned to the campus where his military journey began to review the Spring Term 2025 Passing Out Parade. “Deeply honoured and moved to the point of tears,” said the visiting dignitary, who was commissioned from IMA in 1990 as part of the 87th Course.
Lt Gen Rodrigo, on a four-day official visit to India, became the first IMA alumnus to return as Sri Lanka’s Army Chief and review the ceremonial commissioning of new officers. His visit aims to boost bilateral defence ties with a focus on training and military collaboration.
Addressing the 451 graduating cadets, including 32 from nine friendly nations, Rodrigo recalled his own journey: “Looking at your faces, I see my younger self. This place doesn’t just train officers; it forges bonds that last a lifetime.”
The General urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold three sacred responsibilities — to the nation, the soldiers under their command, and the families of the bravehearts.
The parade, marking the 156th batch since IMA’s inception in 1932, saw cadets from the 156 Regular Course, 45 Technical Entry Scheme, and 139 Technical Graduate Course pass out.
Among the foreign cadets were two from Sri Lanka, and notably present was Brigadier RMSP Rathnayake of the Sri Lankan Army, whose son was among the commissioned officers.
The coveted Sword of Honour was presented to Academy Cadet Adjutant Anni Nehra, who also received the silver medal for second place in the order of merit.
- Gold Medal: Academy Under Officer Ronit Ranjan Nayak (first in order of merit)
- Bronze Medal: Battalion Under Officer Anurag Verma
- Silver Medal (Technical Graduates): Sergeant Akash Bhadouriya
- Best Foreign Cadet: Nishan Balami (Nepal)
Rodrigo, a gunner by arm, is an alumnus of the US National Defense University and has previously attended military training in India and Pakistan. His visit to IMA was part of a broader itinerary that included meetings with Indian Service Chiefs and Defence Ministry officials to reaffirm the long-standing military partnership between the two nations.
“The visit is a testament to the enduring camaraderie and shared vision of regional peace and professional military standards between India and Sri Lanka,” a Ministry of Defence statement said.
