Commander of the Navy visits Southern Naval Command

Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on an official visit to the Southern Naval Command on 30th and 31st March 2023. During this visit, he looked into the operational readiness of the Southern Naval Command and delivered thought-provoking speeches to naval personnel in the Command. In his speeches Commander of the Navy highlighted the way forward of the Navy as well as financial and other challenges faced by men in the present day.

The visiting Navy Chief was welcomed to the Southern Naval Command by Commander Southern Naval Area Rear Admiral Saman Perera at SLNS Nipuna. As the first event of his itinerary, Commander of the Navy addressed a cross section of officers and sailors in the Southern Naval Command at the Auditorium of SLNS Nipuna.

In his address, Commander of the Navy said that the Navy and the Coast Guard are committed to fulfilling the responsibility of nurturing a stable ocean region in order to safely conduct economic activities via the ocean, despite the difficult times the country is going through.

Adding further, Commander of the Navy said that several measures have been taken to alleviate economic difficulties faced by naval personnel. On this occasion, he recalled how the Naval personnel went through a very difficult period to eradicate terrorism from the motherland and heaped praise on their families who also made enormous sacrifice. Commander of the Navy also underlined that naval personnel who have experienced tough conditions have the grit to overcome the current economic challenges. Therefore, he urged them to manage their financial affairs with good judgment or sense.

Since the country is back on the right track, he asked naval personnel not to promote various propaganda campaigns with ulterior motives. The Commander of the Navy stressed the officers about the importance of working as a team as well as using the authority and leadership vested in them to guide their men. As such, he underlined the value of the divisional system and leading the men from front. He also asked officers to make the sailors aware about various welfare initiatives which have been introduced by the Welfare Directorate and Navy Seva Vanitha Unit.

Mentioning about special projects to be undertaken by the Navy in due course, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera threw light on the infrastructure development by the Navy for ferry service between KKS to India as well as recreational diving project to be launched in the Trincomalee harbour for diving enthusiasts across from the world. Adding more, he emphasized that everyone should be committed to fulfilling own responsibilities for the country, as each of these projects will improve the welfare of naval personnel.

As part of this visit, Commander of the Navy and the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Mala Lamahewa attended a spectacle and hearing aid donation programme organized at SLNS Nipuna. Commander of the Navy also took time off to inspect the operations of Naval Dockyard (South) and gave necessary directives.

During his visit to SLCG Rohana, Commander of the Navy was briefed about the operational readiness of the Sri Lanka Coast Guard by its Director General, Rear Admiral Pujitha Vithana. Subsequently, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera paid a visit to SLNS Ruhuna and addressed a group of sailors there.

On 31st March the Navy Chief visited Kirinda Diving Centre and arrived at SLNS Kawanthissa. At the naval establishment he addressed sailors attached to SLNS Kawanthissa, Port of Hambantota as well as ships and craft. Subsequently, he shared a light moment with the Chief Executive Office of the Port of Hambantota as well.

Concluding the official visit, the Commander of the Navy and the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit also attended religious programmes organised at Kiriwehera, Katharagama and Wadasiti Kanda.