Commander of the Navy addresses naval personnel in Eastern Naval Command

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera on 11^th January 2023 graced the ‘Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta - 2023’ as the Chief Guest. During this visit, he also took time off to address a cross section of officers and sailors attached to the Eastern Naval Command at the Admiral Wasantha Karannagoda Auditorium in the Naval and Maritime Academy - Trincomalee.

Following the introductory remarks made by the Commander Eastern Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara, Commander of the Navy addressed both officers and sailors highlighting the way forward, intentions and operational readiness of the Sri Lanka Navy.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera said that he considered it a privilege to have the opportunity to address the naval personnel of the Eastern Naval Command when he arrived as the Chief Guest at the ‘Commandant’s Cup Sailing Regatta - 2023’ organized by the Naval and Maritime Academy. In his address, Commander of the Navy emphasised that naval personnel must be determined to carry out their work with good management and control in the despatch of their duties as the country is going through a tough time. Adding further, he recalled the contribution of the Navy in alleviating the terrorism from the home soil and said that lessons learned from such difficult period will be an experience to perform duties during a challenging period. Highlighting the value of the Divisional System unique to the Navy, Commander of the Navy urged the senior sailors in the organisation to look after and support their juniors, if they are ever in need of such assistance.

He further stated that even in the face of these challenging times, dedication to the work and performance of the Navy's duties is expected from all naval personnel. Adding more, Commander of the Navy expressed his confidence in performing the classic role of the Navy at any cost, remaining firm against various forms of external pressure.

Meanwhile, Commander Eastern Naval Area presented a memento to Commander of the Navy, marking the importance of the occasion.

Subsequent to his address to the naval personnel, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera visited the Fast Attack Craft simulator at NMA. The software development for the simulator was done by Leading Seaman DMAS Chamara who demonstrated the use of the simulator to Commander of the Navy. The facility is capable of delivering training on Typhoon weapon system, FAC handling and Electronic Navigational Charts for navigation. Giving emphasis to ushering new technology for naval training, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera gave necessary instruction to the Directing Staff for further development of the facility.

Commander Eastern Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Dammika Kumara and a group of officers and sailors from the Eastern Naval Command were also present on this occasion. Commander of the Navy also planted a tree sapling at the Navy House, adding memories to this visit.