Navy Commander visits Northwestern Naval Command
Making his maiden tour of inspection after assumption of duties as Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne paid a visit to the Northwestern Naval Command on 29th and 30th August 2020.
During this tour, the Navy Chief took time off to make inspection visits to SLNS Vijaya, Thambapanni, Barana, Therapuththa, Rapid Action Boat Squadron (RABS) Headquarters as well as Naval Detachment Baththalangunduwa, Anawasala and Arippu. Moreover, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne took part in a couple of special events organized by the command.
As such, Commander of the Navy joined a mangrove plantation programme and a beach cleaning campaign organized by SLNS Barana before opening a newly constructed Women Sailors’ Mess on the premises of SLNS Barana. Besides, the construction sites such as the Wardroom complex, four-storeyed junior sailors’ married quarters complex, Seva Vanitha Welfare Outlet and yoghurt project building also came under the review of the Navy Commander. Meanwhile, the Navy Chief also beheld the utility of a training simulator at the RABS Headquarters (HQ) and did not forget to look over the accommodation facilities of senior and junior sailors attached to the RABS HQ.
Addressing a cross section of sailors from all bases, at SLNS Thambapanni and Barana respectively, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne urged them to continue with preventive measures for COVID-19 adhering to Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs) related to them. He also underlined the importance of the empowerment of the divisional system to ensure discipline among naval personnel, for smooth administrative function as well as running ship’s routine in accordance with age-old naval traditions and customs. While pointing out the necessity of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and appropriate body mass index, the Navy Chief specially opined that stern disciplinary action would be taken against drug related offences.
Joining the tour to coincide with Commander of the Navy’s visit, President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit (NSVU) too inspected ongoing NSVU projects and looked into the possibilities for improving them further. She also instructed to open a new Seva Vanitha Welfare Outlet at SLNS Thambapanni and further develop the yoghurt projects being carried out at SLNS Thambapanni and Barana.
During this tour of inspection, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne assured that the living standard and welfare provisions for senior and junior sailors would be improved keeping in line with COVID-19 SOPs. Meanwhile, arrangements have also been made to construct permanent accommodation instead of temporary ones, continue retail of commodities at Seva Vanitha Outlets at concessionary price, proceed with granting of loan facilities at relatively low interest rates for naval personnel and distribution of medicine to the doorsteps of retired and disabled naval personnel and their family members, he further opined.
This series of events was also attended by Commander Northwestern Naval Area, Deputy Area Commander as well as Departmental Heads, Commanding Officers, officers and sailors attached to the command.
