SL Navy divers conquer 100m underwater challenge

In a remarkable display of professionalism, 09 skillful divers of the Sri Lanka Navy successfully completed a 100-metre underwater dive mission off Elephant Island on 18 May 25. The historic feat which marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s maritime capabilities, was witnessed by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, commending the divers for their professionalism and courage.

The daring dive was conducted using closed-circuit rebreathers, with all gas blending and dive planning meticulously executed by the divers themselves. This demonstrated their self-sufficiency and expertise in mixed-gas deep diving, a critical requirement for underwater operations.

With this achievement, the Sri Lanka Navy has proven its capability to conduct a wide range of deep-sea operations, including search and rescue salvage, underwater mine clearance operations and underwater demolitions, at depths of up to 100 metres. This accomplishment also places the Sri Lanka Navy among the regional naval forces with the capacity to operate at such extreme depths.

Addressing the gathering, the Commander of the Navy described the successful completion of Sri Lanka Navy’s first-ever 100-meter underwater dive as a historic and proud achievement. He emphasized that this milestone marks a significant expansion of the Navy’s operational capabilities. Adding more he said that relentless training, unwavering courage, technical expertise, and steadfast determination were key to this remarkable feat. The Navy Chief also acknowledged the vital contributions of instructors, divers, and all those who laid the groundwork and provided guidance, recognizing them as integral to this success.

Former Commander of the Navy, Admiral Priyantha Perera (Retd), Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Director General Operations, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage, Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Varuna Ferdinandusz, Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy and Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph flag-rank officers as well as a group of senior and junior officers were present on this occasion.