Naval Deployment ‘Hambantota’ commissioned as SLNS ‘Kawanthissa’

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva today (05^th July 2020) presided over the occasion of the commissioning of the Naval Deployment ‘Hambantota’ in the Southern Naval Command as SLNS ‘Kawanthissa’ on an auspicious note.

The establishment first came into being as a Naval Sub Unit of the Southern Naval Command on 10^th December 2010 and became Naval Deployment ‘Hambantota’ with effect from 04^th April 2018. As it received commissioning today from Commander of the Navy, the Naval Deployment ‘Hambantota’ was home to 32 officers including a flag officer and 802 senior and junior sailors. Director General Operations, Director General Engineering, Commander Southern Naval Area, officers and sailors from the naval command were also present on this momentous occasion.

The control of sea area by SLNS ‘Kawanthissa’ is ranging over 101km from Kalamatiya to Kumbukkan Oya along the beach. The establishment is also responsible for performing land and port security duties to ensure the safety of Hambantota port, maintaining operations rooms for observation of all ships and vessels in the sea area of the Southern Naval Command, providing all facilities, including fuel and water, for naval vessels patrolling the waters of the Southern Naval Area, carrying out essential maintenance work and coordinating with Hambantota International Port, performing International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) duty at the port of Hambantota and performing special duties such as assisting to maintain peace and security in the area.

Meanwhile, the Naval Sub Units (NSU) ‘Kirindi Oya’, ‘Suriyawewa’ and ‘Amaduwa’ are attached to the mother base. The NSU ‘Kirindi Oya’ does the administration of Ranminithenna Tele Cinema Village, Naval Agriculture Project, Malima Reception Hall, Navy House and Officer Holiday Bungalow. Meanwhile, the NSU ‘Suriyawewa’ has undertaken many of the construction projects of the Southern Campus of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, naval establishments and Buddhist temples. The Operations Room at NSU ‘Amaduwa’ monitors ships and vessels and provides information to the Command Operations Room. Further, the NSU Godawaya is located near the ancient Godawaya port. Meanwhile, SLNS ‘Kawanthissa’ also handles technical duties related to the Magam Ruhunupura International Convention Centre.