Strengthening the 'Ran Weta'

The renowned Navy passing-out parade would be another rhapsodise that anyone would like to eye witness. We were fortunate enough to be two of them, which was a very rare chance indeed.

It was a Thursday afternoon and two buses were parked in front of the Lake House waiting to drive us to the southern part of Sri Lanka. A navy Officer welcomed us with their usual yet refreshing hospitality.

Seeing two buses in front of us confused for a moment, because we could not decide on which bus we should get on to. Luckily one of our good old friends (of course himself a senior journalist), waved to us to join their bus. Without taking too long we loaded our baggages, of course a little too large for only a one day trip - ladies always pack extra.

We at first thought we got in to the wrong bus, because everybody seemed so reserved and quiet. We couldn't have our lunch because I was saddled with a lot of work. And poor Anuki, faithful as she was didn't want to have her lunch while I was starving.

Any how we both ended up starving together. Later on we found out that it wasn't only two of us but there were three more guys from radio stations who hadn't had lunch.

The Navy officers didn't want to loose much time on the road and had to stall stopping for a snack until they found 'just the right restaurant'. By which time we were nearly ready to go on a hunger strike since we were in hunger any way. We were finally able to have a snack and move on.

When we got into the bus the officer in-charged said that the money spent on snacks would have been enough to buy a dvora which was indeed an innocent remark. But the smart journalists got back at him by christening him Mr. Dvora, which we believe is now being used all over the Navy, at least we are quite sure the Navy Military Spokesman Commander Dassanayake is aware of it.

The parade, according to the other more senior journalists, would be a sight to remember. And we were waiting impatiently to witness it for the first time in our lives.

But by the time we got there the site was full with spectators, of course most were families of the new graduates of our 'Silent force' - the Navy. Since there weren't enough seats for everyone, some of us journalists had to sit on the grass. Not that we minded, it was rather refreshing after a long bus ride. We were so proud to see all the 810 soldiers in black, white and blue lined up in all their splendour.

I, and I have no doubt Anuki, once again never felt more proud in our lives than at that exact moment. And Anuki in a highly emotional tone exclaimed 'Oh our boys!'.

After the prime-ministers speech and all other formalities were done with, the festivities started. All the artists who took part in the parade were Navy personnel. It was clear that the Navy was multi talented. The western band provided the music for the greater part of the programme, supported by the eastern band later on.

To be continued.....