The Sri Lanka Navy today (30th June 2024) commenced its support for devotees participating in the annual 'Paada Yaathra' foot pilgrimage from Jaffna to Sella Katharagama. The Navy is specifically attending to the needs of pilgrims along the route from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya. This assistance will continue until 11th July.

In celebration of World Hydrography Day (21st June), the Sri Lanka Navy Hydrographic Service marked the occasion at Wave n' Lake Navy Hall in Welisara today (28th June 2024). At the invitation of the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya and Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the event was graced by Hon. Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, the State Minister of Defence, as the Chief Guest.

In a solemn ceremony filled with deep reverence and respect, Fleet Chief Petty Officer PDP Rathnayake was laid to rest with full Navy honours at Hipauwa General Cemetery in Ibbagamuwa on 27th June 2024. The senior sailor succumbed to his injuries, during an operation to seize an Indian trawler poaching in Sri Lankan waters on 25th June off Kankasanthurai, Jaffna. The funeral ceremony was attended by Fisheries Minister, Hon. Douglas Devananda and members of Northern Fishermen Cooperative Associations.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera graced the prefect investiture ceremony of Mahamevnawa Buddhist College, Demalagama on 27th June 2024. The event, held in the school's main hall, was marked by a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

In a ground breaking move to enhance operational efficiency and service delivery, the Sri Lanka Navy launched first-of-its-kind Mobile Service Vehicle in North Central Naval Command. The event was held under the patronage of Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Damian Fernando at SLNS Thammanna on 27th June 2024.

A new Seema Malaka, built utilizing manpower and industrial expertise of the Sri Lanka Navy, was declared open amidst the blessings of the members of Ven. Maha Sangha by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera on 26th June 2024. The Seema Malaka named ‘Swajin’ has been put up in the Madu Ganga, Balapitiya.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted a special operation off Kankasanthurai, Jaffna in the wee hours of 25th June 2024, to seize an Indian fishing trawler poaching in Sri Lankan waters. During this operation, a senior sailor from the Navy Special Boat Squadron sustained critical injuries due to the aggressive manoeuvres of the Indian trawler, resisting its seizure. Unfortunately, the senior sailor succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the Teaching Hospital, Jaffna.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera embarked on a formal visit to Trincomalee North and South within the Eastern Naval Command on 22nd and 23rd June 2024. The purpose of the visit was to assess the status of important welfare and operational matters within the area. In addition, he also addressed a cross section of officers and sailors at SLNS Walagamba, regarding operational readiness and future prospects of the organization.

The 20th General Conference of World Buddhist Sangha Youth (WBSY) and 5th General Conference of World Alliance of Buddhist (WAB) were held at Nagadeepa Purana Raja Maha Viharaya on 22nd June 2024, under the patronage of the Chief Incumbent of the Nagadeepa Purana Raja Maha Viharaya, Ven. Nawadagala Padumakiththi Tissa Thera. Meanwhile, the Sri Lanka Navy played a crucial role in facilitating the successful conduct of these significant events.

The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kamorta which arrived in Sri Lanka on 20th June 2024, departed the island today (23rd June), on successful completion of her formal visit. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the departing ship at the port of Trincomalee following naval traditions.