World Hydrography Day celebrated on a grand scale in Welisara

In commemoration of World Hydrography Day, which falls on 21 June, the national celebration jointly organized by the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) and the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office (SLNHO) was held at the 'Wave n’ Lake' Navy Hall in Welisara on 23 June 26.

The event was graced by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd), at the invitation of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, the Chairman of the National Hydrographic Council, Rear Admiral Sisira Jayakody (Retd), the National Hydrographer of Sri Lanka, Rear Admiral Kosala Warnakulasooriya and the Chief Hydrographer of the Sri Lanka Navy, Rear Admiral Dammika Wijewardana.

The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) celebrates World Hydrography Day annually to raise global awareness about the importance of hydrography, ensuring safe navigation, protecting the marine environment, and sustainably utilising ocean resources. Conducted under various themes since 2006, this year’s celebration focused on the timely theme, “Transforming How Ocean Data is Shared.”

Delivering the welcome address, National Hydrographer highlighted the milestones and steady growth achieved by the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office since its establishment in 2023, while emphasizing the institution’s vital contribution to the economic development of the country.

Addressing the gathering, Defence Secretary elaborated on the significant progress Sri Lanka has achieved following the establishment of the National Hydrographic Office under the Ministry of Defence and the subsequent enactment of the National Hydrographic Act. He further pointed out that the advancement of hydrographic services plays a pivotal role in accelerating economic growth, ensuring national and maritime security, and fostering environmental sustainability.

A key highlight of the event was the official launching of a new navigational chart of the Jaffna Lagoon area, following the directives by the Commander of the Navy. The first copy of this newly introduced navigational chart was formally presented to the Defence Secretary during the ceremony.

Enriching the day's proceedings, the Vice Chancellor of the Ocean University of Sri Lanka, Senior Professor Nalin Ratnayake, set the tone on the significance of hydrographic data in ensuring safe navigation, promoting marine research, managing coastal areas, and utilizing ocean resources sustainably. Additionally, Senior Hydrographic Surveyor Lieutenant Commander Sakun Perera briefed the audience on the core objectives of this year's theme and the emerging trends in ocean data sharing.

Coinciding with this year's commemorative celebrations, the Sri Lanka National Hydrographic Office has also organised a special training programmes spanning 23 and 24 June to educate university students on the practical applications of hydrographic science.

The prestigious event was attended by the Chief of Staff of the Navy, senior naval officers, hydrographic officers, representatives of the National Hydrographic Council, diplomats, maritime experts and stakeholders, university academics and researchers, trainee merchant navy officers, and a large gathering of distinguished guests.