TRINEX - 26 draws to a close with display of joint maritime excellence

The Sri Lanka Navy concluded its annual Trincomalee Naval Exercise 2026 (TRINEX-26) with a closing ceremony held today, 25 July aboard SLNS Sindurala. The ceremony was presided over by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando. The exercise, which ran from 20 to 24 July, took place in and around the Port of Trincomalee.

Organised annually by the Navy, TRINEX is designed to strengthen interoperability between the Sri Lanka Navy and the Air Force, enhance operational readiness for joint maritime operations and develop the professional skills. The exercise also supports the Navy's broader efforts to safeguard Sri Lanka's maritime domain through integrated surveillance and operational capabilities.

On 24 July, the Navy Commander reviewed the exercise from SLNS Vijayabahu, where participating vessels conducted the traditional Steam Past according their mark of respect to the Navy Chief in attendance.

Addressing personnel at the closing ceremony, including members of the Naval Fleet, 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, Special Boat Squadron, Marines, Sri Lanka Coast Guard and Sri Lanka Air Force, the Commander said TRINEX, the Navy's flagship annual maritime exercise, had provided an opportunity to test and strengthen the operational readiness of ships, systems and personnel for complex maritime missions.

He added that the exercise had further enhanced professional standards, mutual trust and joint operational capability among participating units. Vice Admiral Fernando also emphasised that the participation of naval coast guard and air assets along with personnel demonstrated that maritime security is a collective responsibility requiring close inter-service cooperation.

Expressing his gratitude to all those who contributed to the success of the exercise, the Commander of the Navy said the experience gained during TRINEX-26 should be applied to future operations and exercises to further improve the Navy's operational preparedness in upholding Sri Lanka's maritime interests.

Awards were also presented to recognise the best-performing vessels for maintaining operational excellence. SLNS Gajabahu received the award for the Best Major Ship, SLNS Mihikatha was named the Best Small Ship, and Fast Attack Craft P 494 was recognised as the Best Craft.

The closing ceremony was attended by senior naval officers, including the Chief of Staff of the Navy, Rear Admiral Ravindra Tissera; 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 Sri Lanka Coast Guard, Rear Admiral Rohan Joseph; Director General Personnel, Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Premaratne; Acting Flag Officer Commanding Naval Fleet, Commodore Dhanesh Pathberiya; Director Naval Operations, Commodore Athula Jayaweera; Commanding Officer 4th Fast Attack Flotilla, Captain Chandana Priyantha; and a group of personnel from the Navy and Air Force.