The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence visits Navy Headquarters

At the invitation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the newly appointed Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) visited the Sri Lanka Navy Headquarters today (06th November 2024). During this visit, he engaged in a cordial discussion with the Commander of the Navy and toured key facilities, including the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) Colombo and the Information Fusion Centre (IFC). He later addressed a representative group of officers and sailors, marking an important engagement with the naval leadership and personnel.

The visiting Defence Secretary was received by the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, upon his arrival at the Navy Headquarters where Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) was accorded a Guard of Honour in compliance with naval traditions. Subsequently, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera introduced the Chief of Staff and Board of Management to the Defence Secretary.

This is the first official visit undertaken by Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) to the Navy Headquarters since assuming office as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence. Following cordial discussions between the Defence Secretary and the Commander of the Navy, they also exchanged mementoes, signifying the importance of the occasion.

After the meeting, the Defence Secretary attended a briefing session to gain insights into the Navy's organizational structure and upcoming initiatives. He then conducted an inspection of the Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC) Colombo, as well as the Information Fusion Centre (IFC).

Addressing officers and sailors at the Admiral Somathilake Dissanayake Auditorium, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) commended the Sri Lanka Navy’s vital role in promoting regional maritime stability. He highlighted the Navy’s expansive operations across wide ocean areas to counter illegal activities and uphold security in the region. Adding further, the Defence Secretary expressed his confidence in the Sri Lanka Navy's ability to meet the island nation's maritime challenges and strengthen national security.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Chief of Staff, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the Board of Directors, the Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, flag-ranking officers, senior and junior officers and sailors were also present on this occasion.