Commander of the Navy felicitates naval personnel involved in flood relief operations
 

Hailing the commendable service rendered by the naval personnel in the aftermath of severe weather outbreak tore through several parts of the island nation, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne felicitated those naval ranks and rates involved in flood relief operations. The felicitation cum medal awarding ceremony got off the ground at the (Eastern Container Terminal) ECT Pier II, Colombo harbour this morning (June,5).

Upon the arrival of the Commander of the Navy, proceedings of the event soon followed after observing a moment of silence to honour those who were victimized to flash floods and landslides in different parts of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne reminded of the heroics of the naval personnel who hail from a gallant family of brave sailors. Further, he went onto mention the instrumental role played by the Navy during the hostilities that scourged the motherland over a period of 3 decades. Assuring of the its continuous concern over the common citizens in the country, the Commander of the Navy pledged the Navy’s undeniable assistance in any form of natural or any other disaster, for the safety and security of the general public. As armed personnel who depend completely upon public money, we have a paramount responsibility in delivering our noble service at any cost for the protection of them, Vice Admiral Wijegunaratne further opined.

Thereupon gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to the naval personnel who made valiant efforts to rescue and relief thousands of stranded public affected by floods and landslides. The timely involvement and spirited performance of the naval personnel averted a much bigger loss of lives in this disaster situation.

In recognition of the creditable service rendered by a number of branches, components and battalions of the SLN during this national urgency, ranks and rates belonging to the RABS, SBS, Marine Battalion, Diver/Seaman, Medical, Engineering and Supply components were also rewarded with special prizes and certificates.

Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe, Deputy Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Neil Rosayro, Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Piyal De Silva, Director General Cost Guard Rear Admiral Samantha Wimalathunge, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle, Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenna, senior officers and a host of sailors were also present at the felicitation ceremony.

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