Commander of the Navy visits Naval Complex, Welisara

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on a formal visit to the Naval Complex, Welisara on 25th October 2024. The visit focused on reviewing key welfare, construction, and operational developments within the complex. Additionally, Vice Admiral Perera addressed a cross-section of officers and sailors in the Welisara Naval Complex, underscoring Navy’s commitment to enhancing its operations and personnel welfare.

During his address, the Commander of the Navy acknowledged the country’s steady recovery from a challenging period, reassuring that economic hardships are expected to gradually ease. He noted, however, that recent financial constraints have limited allocations for training activities. Nonetheless, steps will be taken to secure future funding for these essential programmes, he said. Emphasizing the need for prudence, the Commander of the Navy called on naval personnel to exercise diligent management of their personal finances, in line with the ongoing economic realities.

Adding further, the Commander of the Navy emphasized the Sri Lanka Navy's critical role in shaping the country’s maritime tourism infrastructure, noting that this initiative could open future career opportunities in the field for naval personnel post-retirement. He also reaffirmed the Navy’s unwavering commitment to maintaining ocean security, despite economic challenges, ensuring that the region remains safe and stable. Highlighting the Navy’s successes in curbing illegal activities, he underscored its significant impact in combating drug trafficking and unlawful fishing practices in Sri Lankan waters. The Commander therefore called for the dedication and full effort of all naval personnel to achieve the Navy’s mission and goals effectively.

He also emphasized the essential role of armed forces in emergency response, noting that many countries maintain specialized teams trained to provide public relief in crisis situations. He highlighted that in Sri Lanka, the armed forces represent the sole professionally trained workforce equipped for such emergency and disaster relief efforts. He stressed the importance of maintaining and supporting this critical manpower, even in peacetime, to ensure readiness for any eventuality. Additionally, he outlined the Navy’s strategic plan for 2030, a scientifically developed roadmap aimed at advancing the fleet, manpower, and technology of the Sri Lanka Navy to align with the nation’s aspirations for development.

The Commander of the Navy went on to emphasize the Sri Lanka Navy's advancements, highlighting its growth into a formidable force capable of extending operations from domestic waters to the Indian Ocean and beyond. He noted the Navy’s strong commitment to maintaining high-level diplomatic engagement, actively collaborating with both regional and extra-regional navies and maritime alliances. Internationally, the Navy’s role in promoting lawful ocean use, safeguarding freedom of navigation, and conducting search and rescue operations has earned widespread recognition, he said. This reputation led to Sri Lanka’s partnership with the Combined Maritime Forces last year, and now, the Navy is set to command the Combined Task Force 154 of the coalition, a development that has brought significant prestige to the Sri Lanka Navy and the nation.

Moreover, Vice Admiral Perera outlined key developments poised to enhance Sri Lanka's naval and economic landscape. He highlighted the expansion of the Navy's fleet, thanks to strengthened international relations, with an Offshore Patrol Vessel set to join the ranks. He also announced plans for the National Hydrographic Office to scale up operations, a move expected to boost the national economy significantly. Further, the Navy, with international support, is set to acquire two Recompression Chambers for diving procedures, benefiting both local and foreign diving tourists. These facilities, to be established in Colombo and the Southern Province, will add substantial value to Sri Lanka's tourism industry, he opined.

Finally, he urged naval personnel to maintain discipline and avoid unlawful means to overcome financial challenges. He emphasized that individuals facing financial difficulties should seek assistance through welfare programmes provided by the Naval Welfare Directorate and the Seva Vanitha Unit, which offer essential support. Highlighting future benefits, he announced the expansion of married quarters facilities within the Eastern, Western, and Southern Commands, aimed at enhancing the welfare of Navy members and their families. The Commander also underscored the importance of dedication, reminding naval personnel to fully commit to their responsibilities and to avoid engaging in any misconduct under outside influences.

On his official visit, Vice Admiral Perera inspected ongoing construction and welfare projects at the Welisara Naval Complex, providing directives to expedite their completion. He also reviewed training activities and facilities at the Navy’s Music Directorate, assessed operations at the Naval Boat Building Yard, and visited the Naval General Hospital in Welisara, offering guidance to enhance these activities and improve operational standards.

A group of senior and junior officers as well as sailors from the Navy Headquarters and Western Naval Command were present on these occasions.