Commander of the Navy embarks on official visit to Northern Naval Command

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando visited the Northern Naval Command on, 21 September 2026, for a two-day official inspection to review operational readiness, administrative functions, and welfare projects in the Command.

Upon his arrival, Vice Admiral Fernando was received by Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardena. At the Command Headquarters auditorium, senior officers briefed the Navy Commander on the security status quo, operational capabilities, and development initiatives across the Command.

Addressing officers and sailors, Vice Admiral Fernando outlined key priorities for national security. He emphasized the need for operational readiness based on strategic awareness, capacity building, adoption of digital platforms, streamlined administration, and welfare support for naval personnel and their families. He also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation to support local fishing communities, island residents, and state institutions.

During the visit, the Navy Commander inspected the Command Operations Room and visited naval ships and craft attached to the Northern Command. He stressed the importance of maintaining high operational efficiency to uphold maritime law in northern waters.

Expanding welfare facilities for service personnel, Vice Admiral Fernando declared open a newly constructed married quarters complex for officers at SLNS Uttara. He also inspected accommodation facilities for officers, senior sailors, and women sailors, alongside the proposed Naval Institute, Seva Vanitha Welfare Outlet, General Mess, and Command Motor Engineering Workshop.

The Commander of the Navy also conducted field inspections of the Kankesanthurai port complex and breakwater, the Point Pedro and Myliddi fisheries harbours, and the Point Pedro Naval Detachment, instructing to optimize operational efficiency across the Command.