First Sri Lankan earns US Navy SEAL Trident pin

Making history for both Sri Lanka and its military forces, Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha of the Sri Lanka Navy’s elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) has become the first-ever Sri Lankan to successfully complete the U.S. Navy SEAL training program, one of the toughest military training courses in the world.

After enduring 14 grueling months of intense physical and psychological challenges, Lieutenant Chamitha earned the coveted SEAL Trident pin, symbolizing his induction into one of the world’s most respected special operations units. With a dropout rate exceeding 75%, the SEAL program is renowned for pushing candidates beyond their limits — but Chamitha proved his mettle and emerged as a symbol of Sri Lankan endurance, discipline, and elite capability.

This landmark achievement not only brings immense pride to the Sri Lanka Navy but also marks a new chapter in the evolution of Sri Lanka’s special forces. With this accomplishment, Chamitha has gained not only global recognition but also invaluable tactical experience, which is expected to elevate the standards and preparedness of Sri Lanka’s elite units.

His success is already being hailed as an inspiration for the next generation of special forces operatives, while also paving the way for stronger international military cooperation, particularly between the United States and Sri Lanka.

Lieutenant Chamitha’s journey—from the shores of Sri Lanka to the elite ranks of the U.S. Navy SEALs—demonstrates that excellence knows no borders. His story is a proud moment not just for the military, but for the entire nation.