Commander of the Navy visits Northern Naval Command

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on a formal two-day visit to the Northern Naval Command on 02nd and 03rd August 2023. The visit was aimed at inspecting the progress of key development and welfare projects and operational matters in the Northern Naval Command. In addition, he also addressed a cross section of officers and sailors, regarding their designated role in the Sri Lanka Navy.

During this visit, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera declared open the newly established Command Operations Room at SLNS Uththara on 02nd August. Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon and senior officers were also present on this occasion. Subsequently, they inspected systems and equipment installed at the new Command Operations Room, for processing and disseminating critical information in real time. On the sidelines of the opening of new Command Operations Room, the Commander of the Navy also launched the Decision Support Information Dash Board established within the Operations Room. By using this system, it is possible to handle and analyze operational, administrative, welfare, and public relations matters which are relevant to the Command with greater efficiency and effectiveness.

Meanwhile, Commander of the Navy visited the Kankasanthurai harbour and witnessed the passenger terminal and other amenities put up by the Navy, supporting the nation building efforts. He also paid a visit to the Settikulam Government Tamil Mixed School in Velani of Kayts and instructed officers to expeditiously finish the renovation work, taken up by the Northern Naval Command.

On 03rd August, Commander of the Navy made an inspection visit to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni and gave necessary directives to improve operational and security duties which are within the purview of the Naval Deployment. On the other hand, he also took time off to address a group of officers and sailors attached to the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni.

In his address, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera highlighted the paramount responsibility on the shoulders of naval personnel of the Naval Deployment Veththalakerni as well as those who are serving onboard ships and at establishments, to thwart smuggling of drugs via northern waters. Therefore, he said that all officers and sailors were expected to put aside their personal preferences and commit to fulfilling that responsibility. Adding further, he emphasized that the country was gradually recovering from a tough time and urged naval personnel the importance of being responsible with their financial management. Moreover, the Navy Chief shed light on various programmes introduced by the Navy and its efforts to improve the well-being of naval personnel.

Discussing the admirable contribution of the Sri Lanka Navy in fighting against drugs in the country, the Navy Commander emphasized that naval personnel must not be involved in or support any illegal activities related to drugs. Moreover, he advised naval personnel not to be influenced by false information spread on social media, which might lead them to leave the Navy. Instead, he urged them to find solutions to their issues through the Divisional System, which is unique to the Navy. In conclusion, he stressed the importance of always carrying out their duties and responsibilities with strict adherence to discipline, as it forms the foundation of the service.

On the sidelines of this visit, the Navy Chief visited the Nagadeepa Raja Maha Viharaya and paid his obeisance to the Chief Incumbent of Nagadeepa Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Sanghanayake for Northern Province, Most Ven. Nawadagala Padumakitti Tissa Thera and received the blessings. Further, he also called on Ven. Nawadagala Amarakeerthi Tissa Thera and received the blessings at the Dambakolapatuna Viharaya.