A voyage through time: Sri Lanka Navy launches publication on island’s seafaring glory

The Research Wing of the Sri Lanka Navy officially launched its new publication, ‘Sri Lanka’s Maritime Heritage and Historical Significance,’ on 12 Jun 26, at the Navy Headquarters. At the invitation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the event was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd).

Setting the tone for the evening, the Navy Commander delivered the opening remarks, crediting the distinguished editorial board and honouring the significant contributions of veteran naval officers such as late Instructor Lieutenant Commander Somasiri Devendra to maritime history and archaeology. He also acknowledged the pioneers of this endeavour, including the former Navy Chief and Head of the Sri Lanka Navy Strategic Studies and Doctrinal Development Unit.

In his address, the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence made his commendations, noting that this volume serves as a vital and scholarly addition to the study of Sri Lanka’s maritime history. Meanwhile, Professor Raj Somadewa, Editor-in-Chief of the publication and Senior Professor of Archaeology at the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, also addressed the distinguished gathering, offering reflections on the deep historical significance of the work.

The publication is the result of a collaboration between the Sri Lanka Navy, the universities of Peradeniya, Kelaniya, and Jaffna, the Department of Archaeology, the Central Cultural Fund, and the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology. It reflects a forward-thinking initiative aligned with the Navy’s broader vision for its evolving role within the national framework. The work underscores a commitment to understanding the maritime domain through systematic research and strategic planning.

It treats research as a strategic asset, enabling evidence-based policy, fostering innovation, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration. The publication also envisions a navy that draws on millennia of maritime experience to address present-day challenges, turning knowledge into foresight and resilience for the sake of national and regional stability.

Also present on the occasion were Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Bandu Edirisinghe, former Navy Commander Admiral Priyantha Perera (Retd), Chief of Staff of the Navy along with the Board of Management. Officials from government institutions and stakeholders in the maritime and archaeological fields were also present, including the Acting Director General of the Department of Archaeology Sri Lanka, Mr. Senarath Wickramasinghe, Director General of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), Dr. Arjuna Thantilage, Director General of the Central Cultural Fund (CCF), Dr. Nilan Cooray and Director General of the Sri Lanka National Archives, Dr. Nadeera Rupesinghe.