Commander of the Navy visits Trincomalee North and South

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on a formal visit to Trincomalee North and South within the Eastern Naval Command on 22nd and 23rd June 2024. The purpose of the visit was to assess the status of important welfare and operational matters within the area. In addition, he also addressed a cross section of officers and sailors at SLNS Walagamba, regarding operational readiness and future prospects of the organization.

The Commander of the Navy, accompanied by Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, Naval Officer in Charge Trincomalee North, Commodore Sanjeewa Kathriarachchi and a group of senior officers of the command, visited Trincomalee North on 22nd June 2024. The Commander of the Navy visited the Jamalia Coastal Observation Point under SLNS Tissa to review its operations. During the visit, he observed various activities, including inspections of illegal fishing gear, coastal patrols, and fishing license checks, and provided relevant instructions to naval personnel taking care of those duties.

Subsequently, he visited the Kallarawa Radar Point and instructions were given to enhance the efficiency of monitoring operations at the radar station. He also reviewed the welfare facilities at SLNS Walagamba and observed the Navy's security operations in the Kuchchaveli area. Thereupon, the Navy Chief addressed officers and sailors who were from naval establishments and detachments within Trincomalee North, discussing the Navy's operational readiness, future plans, and strategies for managing challenges.

In his address, the Commander of the Navy emphasized that the country gradually recovers from a challenging period, and the Navy is playing a crucial role in ensuring national security by effectively adapting to various economic constraints. He also emphasized that every member of the Navy is expected to manage their personal finances responsibly and contribute to the future of the organization. He also discussed the ongoing changes in manpower and administration within the Navy and Coast Guard as outlined in the 'Sri Lanka Navy's Strategy 2030.' Additionally, he highlighted the use of advanced technology for surveillance and the acquisition of ships and craft for the organization. The Commander of the Navy provided naval personnel with the opportunity to voice their concerns and addressed the issues raised by sailors regarding welfare facilities, including uniforms and rations. He also outlined the steps to be taken to address these matters.

Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera also announced that future welfare initiatives, including the expansion of married quarters in the Western and Southern Naval Commands, are planned for naval personnel. Thus, he emphasized the importance of unwavering dedication from all Navy members to successfully fulfill the Navy's future mission.

On 23rd June, the Commander of the Navy, accompanied by Commander Eastern Naval Area, Naval Officer in Charge Trincomalee South, Commodore Rohan Dissanayake and senior officers of the command visited Trincomalee South. The Navy Chief also visited SLNS Kashyapa to observe its ongoing operations and provided essential instructions to enhance efficiency. During his visit, Vice Admiral Perera also took the opportunity to visit Madurankernikulam, home to the Coastal Veddas, where he met with Vedda Chief Velayuthan.

Commanding Officers from establishments in the Trincomalee North and South as well as a group of senior naval officers were also present on these occasion.