Commander of the Navy visits Northern Naval Command

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on a formal visit to the Northern Naval Command on 21st January 2024. The purpose of the visit was to assess the status of important welfare and development projects as well as operational matters within 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.

Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennakoon, Area Commander designate, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda and Heads of Departments also joined Commander of the Navy during this inspection visit. At the outset, the Navy Chief took time off to inspect motor vehicles modified by the Command Engineering Department, before addressing officers and sailors attached to the Northern Naval Command at the General Mess of SLNS Uththara.

In his address, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera conveyed appreciation to naval personnel of the Northern Naval Command, including its Commander, for their efforts in executing operations, undertaking developmental and welfare projects, and sustaining favourable military and civilian relationships in the region. Adding further, he expressed that the nation is steadily bouncing back from a challenging phase. Further, he noted that the government has taken measures to alleviate economic hardships, and the naval personnel can benefit from the relief through diverse welfare initiatives introduced by the Navy.

Despite facing challenges in 2023, he appreciated the Navy's efforts to combat drug trafficking on high seas, as it significantly contributed to help protect future generations from the threat of drugs. He also emphasized that as a stakeholder dedicated to securing the Indian Ocean region, the Navy has garnered significant acclaim, both domestically and internationally, for its efforts in addressing non-traditional maritime threats such as drug trafficking as well as the Navy's involvement in search and rescue operations in its Search and Rescue (SAR) region. Moreover, he mentioned that as a result of the positive foreign relations cultivated through the successful coordination of international maritime conferences like the Galle Dialogue, the Navy is set to enhance its fleet by acquiring an additional Offshore Patrol Vessel in the upcoming year 2025.

Adding further, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera highlighted that by enacting the Hydrographic Act, the Navy can play a unique role in bolstering the national economy in the times ahead. Furthermore, he stressed the importance of naval personnel wholeheartedly committing to their role by effectively managing their personal finances, possessing a thorough understanding, maintaining mental and physical fitness, and approaching their responsibilities with clarity of mind.

He also stressed the importance for naval personnel to avoid engaging in or endorsing unlawful activities like drug trafficking or participating in online money-making schemes solely for quick financial gain as a solution to economic challenges. Also, the Commander of the Navy stressed the importance of senior sailors collaborating with a clear understanding to address the challenges faced by junior sailors and urged naval personnel to do away with unnecessary political propaganda promotion within the Navy. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of preserving the divisional system as a means of upholding naval discipline.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera mentioned plans to implement digital platform to foster creative ideas among naval personnel and establish online library facilities to enhance knowledge development within the Navy. The goal is to cultivate disciplined and knowledgeable personnel capable of working with a clear mindset in the near future, he opined.

Subsequently, the Navy Chief visited SLNS Welusumana and opened the renovated ‘Horizon Cabana’ Officers’ Holiday Bungalow at the Kalmunai Point. Also, he shared a moment with the naval personnel who engaged in the renovation work and appreciated them for the job well done. Signifying his visit to the Northern Naval Command, Commander of the Navy also planted a tree sapling at the wardroom premises of SLNS Welusumana.