Joint Christian Commemoration & Thanksgiving Service held to commemorate the 73rd Anniversary of Sri Lanka Navy

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera along with the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Mala Lamahewa attended the Joint Christian Commemoration & Thanksgiving Service at All Saints' Church – Borella on 21st November 2023.

Sri Lanka Navy Christian Council founded in 1991 has conducted the Joint Commemoration and Thanksgiving Service for 32 consecutive years in keeping with the highest naval customs and traditions. The Chief Celebrant, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe, Bishop of the Diocese of Galle conducted this solemn joint Christian service along with the gracious presence and prayers of religious dignitaries from Roman Catholic Church, Bishop of Church of Ceylon and representatives of Methodist and Baptist Churches. The ceremony was held as a part of a series of multi-religious spiritual proceedings aimed at seeking blessings for the 73rd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy, slated for 09th December.

“May the peace and strength of our Lord be with you, who are the guardians of the seas” were the blessings of the Chief Celebrant, His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Raymond Wickramasinghe who praised and thanked the Lord for all the achievements that the Sri Lanka Navy made in the past years. The service remembered those who paid the supreme sacrifice in achieving peace to our Motherland. It also remembered all those who served with us and departed due to various causes, all our naval brothers and sisters serving and retired who are sick and disabled to ask the Lord to give them strength and courage to carry their crosses through life and pray for their speedy recovery. During the ceremony special blessings were evoked on Naval Ensign, Naval Command Flags, Naval Fleet and Service men of all nations.

Former Commanders of the Navy including Admiral Basil Goonesekara (Retd.), retired senior officers, Chief of Staff of the Navy Rear Admiral Jayantha Kularatne, President Navy Christian Council and Director General Personnel, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando and Director Generals of the Navy, Commander Western Naval Area and Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Saman Perera and Area Commanders, Director General Sri Lanka Coast Guard, executive committee members of NSVU, officers and sailors of Sri Lanka Navy Christian Council, and a group of officers and sailors attached to the Navy Headquarters and Western Naval Command were present on this occasion.