Navy rolls out red carpet to welcome Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda to NHQ

Former Commander of the Navy, Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda paid a formal visit to the Naval Headquarters today (30^th October 2019).

The visiting five-star Admiral was accorded a special Guard of Honour which comprised 02 officers and 79 sailors, in keeping with naval tradition. Thereupon, he was warmly received to the Naval Headquarters by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva. This marked the first formal visit to the Naval Headquarters by Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, after being promoted to the five-star rank.

In recognition of the charismatic military leadership given to the Sri Lanka Navy for the culmination of the three-decade long ruthless terrorism, this five-star rank was conferred on the former Navy chief by the President of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena with effect from 05th August 2019. Accordingly, he became the very first Admiral of the Fleet in the annals of Sri Lanka Navy.

During the ensuing meeting, Commander of the Navy exchanged pleasantries and recollected treasured memories with Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and also briefed him the present role and responsibilities of the Sri Lanka Navy. The occasion was also attended by Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Deputy Chief of Staff and Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle, Director Generals and Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sumith Weerasinghe.

Mementoes were also exchanged to mark the importance of this significant occasion. Before the departure of the Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, he posed for a group photograph with Commander of the Navy and Board of Management and left his remarks in the Visitors’ Book as well.