Naval fleet steams past in salute to Navy Commander at TRINEX-26

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando, reviewed the sea phase of the Trincomalee Naval Exercise 2026 (TRINEX-26) on board SLNS Vijayabahu off the eastern coast today, 24 July.

Vice Admiral Fernando observed a range of maritime exercises, joint training activities and operational readiness drills, while lauding the professionalism and performance of the naval personnel taking part.

On the final day of the sea phase, participating units conducted a series of naval exercises, including Miscellaneous Exercises (MISCEX), Replenishment at Sea (RAS), Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) and Helicopter Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (HVBSS) drills. The exercise concluded with the fleet according the ceremonial Steam Past salute to the Navy Chief.

The exercise involved SLNS Vijayabahu, Samudravijaya, Sindurala, Sagara, Samudura, Nandimithra, Shakthi, Edithara II, Ranarisi and Wickrama II, together with Fast Attack Craft P4443, P439, P465, P437, P421, P436, P424, P433 and P420, as well as personnel from the Navy's Special Boat Squadron. The Sri Lanka Coast Guard participated with SLCG Jayasagara and CG 407, while the Sri Lanka Air Force deployed Bell 412 and Bell 212 helicopters in support of the exercise.

Senior officers attending the review included the Deputy Chief of Staff and Commander Eastern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Buddhika Liyanagamage; Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Indika De Silva; Director General Personnel, Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Premaratne; and Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commodore Dhanesh Pathberiya; Director Naval Operations, Commodore Athula Jayaweera; Commanding Officer 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, Captain Chandana Priyantha , along with a group of naval officers.