The sacred relics which were recently unearthed from the Deegawapiya Stupa site were ceremonially placed in a “Relic House” at the Deegawapiya temple amidst blessings of the members of Maha Sangha on the ‘Duruthu’ full moon poya day on 17th January 2022. The spiritual event which was held under the patronage of Defence Secretary and the Chairperson of ‘Archaeological Heritage Management Presidential Task Force’ for Eastern Province, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne was attended by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

Embarking on an official visit to the Northern Naval Command, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne looked into the operational readiness and administrative functions of the Northern Naval Area on 08th and 09th January 2022.

The first working day of the New Year - 2022 was inaugurated at the Navy Headquarters this morning (03rd January 2022), taking the oath of allegiance to public service, under the patronage of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.

The Sri Lanka Navy has made a significant contribution to the realization of the government's efforts to save the future generation of the nation from the menace of drugs. Thus, in the year 2021 alone, the Navy has mounted successful narcotic raids in island waters and on high seas and has seized a large consignment of illegal drugs worth over Rs. 15.86 billion street value.

As we usher the New Year 2022 with fresh expectations, I, as Commander of the Navy, am very pleased to wish all naval personnel, civil staff employees and their family members a Happy New Year, that would enable you to realize all your good thoughts and aspirations.

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne presented certificates of commendation under the ‘IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea – 2021’ to 04 naval personnel, during a special ceremony held at the Auditorium of Naval and Maritime Academy, Trincomalee recently. The certificates of commendation were issued by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) taking into account the bravery of these individuals.

As the celebrations around the festive season begin, a Christmas carol service organized by the Sri Lanka Navy Seva Vanitha Unit and Navy Christian Council was held at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre on the evening of 23rd December 2021 on a successful note. At the invitation of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne and the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Chandima Ulugetenne, the colourful event was graced by the First Lady, Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa as the Chief Guest.

A special operation mounted by the Navy in international waters south of Sri Lanka recently, led to intercept a fishing vessel of foreign origin carrying about 250kg and 996g (including packages) of heroin with 06 suspects. The consignment of illegal drugs valued at over Rs. 2509 million street value and the 06 foreign suspects were brought to the port of Colombo this morning (15th December) by Sri Lanka Navy. Defence Secretary, General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne and Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne were also present at the Colombo harbour to inspect the apprehended haul of narcotics.

The commissioning of Midshipmen of the 34th intake (Technical) of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and 62nd intake of officer cadets of Sri Lanka Navy was held at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee on 11th December 2021. At the invitation of Commandant NMA, Commodore Damian Fernando, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne graced this occasion as the Chief Guest and took the salute. The event was also attended by President Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Chandima Ulugetenne.

Sri Lanka Navy, popularly known as the First Line of Defence of the island nation is proudly celebrating its 71st anniversary today (09th December 2021). Following the directives and guidance of Commander of the Navy a range of celebratory events are conducted in each Naval Command, giving pride and place to naval customs and religious rituals. On the sidelines of these celebrations, capital ships of the Sri Lanka Navy will lay at anchor off the Galle Face Green and the ships will be there on 09th and 10th December, allowing the general public to catch the glimpse of naval power of Sri Lanka.