SLNS Dakshina celebrates her 26th anniversary on colourful note
 

The ship’s crew of SLNS Dakshina, under the able guidance of its Commanding Officer Captain (N) Jagath Premarathna conducted a number of religious and social welfare activities to celebrate the 26^th anniversary of SLNS Dakshina in Galle, which fell on 9^th March.

Accordingly, on 28^th February, Buddhist religious observances were held at the Kachchiwatta Purana Viharaya in Galle and Catholic mass was held at the St Mary's Church in Kaluwella on 2^nd March. Meanwhile, Hindu religious homage was performed at the Kadiravelayudasvami Kovil in Galle on 5^th March and Islamic rituals were held at the Kachchiwatta Mosque on 6th March. Blessings were invoked on Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe and all naval personnel during the religious activities. 

As part of the anniversary celebrations, several sports tournaments were played by teams representing the Southern Naval Command. Dissanayake Ayurvedic
Hospital was also cleaned as a social welfare activity. The inspection of divisions was held in accordance with time honoured naval traditions prior to ‘Barakana’-the traditional meal with the participation of Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera and a cross section of officers and sailors from the command. The anniversary celebration drew its curtains with a musical evening featured by popular artist and it was attended by Commander Southern Naval Area, Heads of the Departments and a large number of officers and sailors.