VNF Annual Camp successfully concludes in Welisara

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva inspected the divisions of the Volunteer Naval Force Annual Camp held at the main parade ground of SLNS Lanka, Welisara, today (24^th January 2020).

The VNF Annual Training Camp which commenced on 06^th January 2020, in view of reviewing the professional skills and knowledge of Volunteer Naval Force personnel, marked its conclusion with activities comprised of the Commander of the Navy's Divisions, Ceremonial Parade and a vivid cultural show.

The Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force which began on 09^th January 1952, with 24 officers and 121 sailors, has transformed to a stable force with 449 officers and 10934 sailors by now, to provide expertise and manpower in times of national urgency and distress, in paralleled to the national requirement in defence and development. It supplements and provides the Regular Naval Force with required assistance in the execution of tasks entrusted to the Navy as the main arm of the Sri Lanka Navy.

The Commander of the Navy in his address, went on to say that this VNF Annual Camp would be helpful to bring together the experience in civilian setup and social norms to the naval setup through VNF officers and to enhance the practical training and understanding of the customs and traditions of the Navy. This annual event would also help mould a disciplined and efficient sailor in the Navy, he further added on this occasion.

Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sumith Weerasinghe, Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Noel Kalubowila, Director Generals and senior naval officers of Naval Headquarters and Western Naval Command were also present on the occasion.