Commander of the Navy declares open sailors’ married quarters building in Welisara

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, officially inaugurated a new sailors' married quarters building at the Naval Complex in Welisara today (23rd August 2024). The facility was constructed to enhance the welfare and support for naval personnel and their families.

The Western Naval Command Civil Engineering Department enabled its manpower and industrial expertise for the construction of this nine-storied building, providing 36 married quarters for sailors. The Commander of the Navy today officially opened 12 completed quarters across three floors, designated for both senior and junior sailors.

In his address to the gathering, the Commander of the Navy highlighted that the project aimed at alleviating the scarcity of married quarters was initially halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the initiative resumed with funding from Naval Welfare. He also expressed his gratitude to the Government and the Ministry of Finance for their financial support in advancing the project despite numerous challenges. Additionally, he announced plans to expand married quarters at the Welisara Naval Complex to further address the housing needs of sailors.

The Commander of the Navy stressed the importance of returning quarters in the same condition they were received. He also announced plans to renovate unusable quarters, along with several in the Eastern Naval Command, using Seva Vanitha funds. Furthermore, he mentioned that steps are being taken to resolve the sailors’ quarters issue in the Southern Naval Command and to address wardroom concerns once the Navy Headquarters relocates to the Defence Headquarters Complex in Akuregoda. As a long-term solution to the housing challenges faced by naval personnel, the Navy Commander revealed plans to introduce a special programme that will enable personnel to invest in building a house in their area as they join and granting them home ownership when they leave the Navy.

The occasion was also attended by president NSVU Hon. Mala Lamahewa, retired senior naval officers, Director General Services, Rear Admiral Priyal Withanage, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Commandant Volunteer Naval Force, Rear Admiral Lashanth N Hewavitharane, Director General Logistics, Rear Admiral Ruwan Kalubowila, Rear Admiral Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Rear Admiral Prashantha Anthony, Acting Director General Civil Engineering, Commodore Ravi Gunasinghe and senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and Western Naval Command.