Navy hosts sailors’ get-together for its 74th Anniversary

The Sri Lanka Navy has arranged an array of events, prioritizing religious observances and longstanding naval traditions, to commemorate its 74th Anniversary. As part of the celebrations, a vibrant sailors' gathering took place today (09th November 2024) at the Wave n' Lake Navy Hall in Welisara. Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, presided over the occasion.

This friendly gathering aimed to express gratitude towards retired senior sailors and acknowledge the contributions of serving senior and junior sailors from various naval commands in attendance. Thus, they were able to exchange their service and retired life experiences, allowing serving members to share their service experience and retired senior sailors to impart their experiences in post-naval life. Representing retired senior sailors, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy TG Neelkaru (Retd) and Woman Master Chief Petty Officer TMSU Bandara (Retd) shared their insights, while Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy WMGA Kumara also offered his personal experiences.

At the event, the Commander of the Navy presented a wheelchair to Leading Steward BHHGP Pushpakumara, through funds made possible by the Naval Welfare Directorate. Following this, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera addressed the gathering, emphasizing that the Navy’s progress over its 74 -year history has been shaped by the dedication and professionalism of its sailors. He urged everyone to uphold this legacy of unwavering commitment to the Navy’s unique military, diplomatic, and constabulary roles, which are key to achieving the nation’s maritime goals. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of unified teamwork among all sailors, stressing the need to maintain focus on maritime security across vast waters, despite varying external perspectives.

Adding further, he emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong bond between officers, senior sailors, and junior sailors to ensure the efficient and effective execution of the Navy's unique mission. With this unity, he noted, the Navy can collectively address challenges faced by personnel and stay dedicated to its duties, even during difficult times.

The lively occasion was captivated by the musical performances, instrumental displays, and dance presentations by the Navy Band and Cultural Troupe. Additionally, the Commander of the Navy, Chief of Staff, senior officers, and attending sailors took pleasure in partaking in the traditional meal, 'Barakana' as well.

The Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, senior officers from the Navy Board of Management, the Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando, Commander Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Area Commanders, flag-ranking officers, officers, retired senior sailors, a cross section of senior and junior sailors and women sailors were also present on this occasion.