Commander of the Navy visits North Central Naval Command

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on an official visit to the North Central Naval Command on 18th, 19th and 20th July 2023. During this visit, he looked into the operational and welfare matters of the command and addressed a cross-section of officers and sailors at SLNS Thammanna. In his addresses, the Commander of the Navy emphasized the importance of operational readiness and shed light on as how to address various challenges confronted by naval personnel.

During this visit, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera was accompanied by Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Heads of Departments from the command. Accordingly, he visited SLNS Thammanna, SLNS Gajaba, SLNS Buwaneka, SLNS Pussadewa as well as Naval Detachments of Urumalei, Oluthuda and Wedithalaitivu belonging to those naval establishments. Furthermore, the Navy Commander gave vital directives to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of operational affairs and emphasized the significance of bolstering welfare benefits for naval personnel in the area.

Addressing officers and sailors at SLNS Thammanna, the Commander of the Navy said that the Sri Lanka Navy had been entrusted with a crucial duty to safeguard the sea around the island. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of the unwavering dedication and active involvement of naval personnel stationed at various naval establishments, detachments and coastal observation points in the area, which have been tasked with this paramount responsibility. He also said that regular surveillance, patrols and operations should be carried out to curb an assortment of illegal activities being conducted by both local and foreign fishermen as well as smugglers in Talaimannar coastal area, posing a major threat to the national security.

Since the country is back on the right track, he asked naval personnel not to promote various propaganda campaigns with ulterior motives. Moreover, the Commander of the Navy also mentioned about measures in place to alleviate financial difficulties encountered by naval personnel and went on to talk about a wide range of welfare benefits available in the Navy in order to fulfil their requirements. He expressed assurance that the Navy would be capable of providing additional benefits to its naval personnel in the future.

In the line of duty, people often find themselves facing difficult decisions. Sometimes, the choices they make might seem challenging and demanding, but it is crucial to understand that the path of righteousness is not always the easiest one, he further said. Moreover, he told that one must not compromise essential qualities such as credibility, honesty, leadership, and discipline for any cheap gains or temporary rewards. Finally, the Navy Chief advised naval personnel not to seek easy means for quick success or material gain and not to tarnish the storied legacy of the Navy, carved by the sacrifices and dedication of brave sons and daughters.

Commanding Officers from the North Central Naval Command and Heads of Departments were also present on this occasion. Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera visited Thanthirimale Rajamaha Viharaya and paid his obeisance to the Chief Incumbent of the temple, Ven. Thanthirimale Chandarathana Thera, before concluding his visit to the North Central Naval Command.