Commander of the Navy visits North Central Naval Command

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on a formal visit to the North Central Naval Command on 15th December 2024. During the visit, he inaugurated several key facilities, including a newly established Inshore Patrol Craft Repair Facility at Naval Detachment Thavulpadu of SLNS Gajaba, an Administrative Building, a two-story Junior Sailors' Mess with a General Mess at Naval Detachment Oluthudai, and a new Junior Sailors' Married Quarters at SLNS Pussadewa.

Under the directives of the Commander of the Navy and the supervision of the Commander North Central Naval Area, the Navy’s Engineering Department has successfully operationalized the newly established Inshore Patrol Craft Repair Facility at the Naval Detachment Thavulpadu. This facility is set to boost the efficiency of coastal patrols, strengthening efforts to combat illegal activities in the Mannar seas.

SLNS Gajaba, located at Sunny Village on Mannar Island, is relocating its establishment to the strategically significant Oluthudai area to enhance regional security operations. As part of this initiative, the expansion of operational and infrastructure facilities at Oluthudai began in 2017 with industrial support from the Command Civil Engineering Department. Accordingly, the newly constructed administrative building and a two-storey Junior Sailors’ Mess, including a General Mess at the detachment, were officially inaugurated under the patronage of the Commander of the Navy.

Thereupon, the Commander of the Navy addressed naval personnel from SLNS Gajaba, Thammanna, Buwaneka, and Phusadewa at the Naval Detachment Oluthudai. During his speech, he commended the naval personnel who played a commendable role in recent construction efforts. He also emphasized the Navy’s commitment to nurturing a stable ocean region, and shed light on its future goals while tackling economic challenges, curbing smuggling, and ensuring the safe conduct of maritime economic activities. Additionally, the Commander of the Navy highlighted the importance of addressing duty-related concerns, enhancing welfare measures, and maintaining the dignity of the Navy through exemplary performance of assigned responsibilities.

The Commander of the Navy, after addressing naval personnel, inspected the Mobile Surveillance Unit at ND Oluthudai. Following this, the Commander ceremonially opened two newly built Junior Sailors' Married Quarters at the SLNS Pussadewa, a significant step towards improving welfare facilities for naval personnel and their families.

The President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Mala Lamahewa, Director General Logistics, Rear Admiral Ruwan Kalubowila, Director General Personnel, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera, Commander North Central Naval Command, Rear Admiral Jagath Kumara, Deputy Area Commander (North Central) Commodore Mangala Mummullage, and officers and sailors from the Navy Headquarters and North Central Naval Command were present on these occasions.