Navy conducts first aid and health awareness training for eastern fishermen

The Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, conducted a basic emergency medical care and health promotion programme for local fishermen at the Poonachchimunai and Valachchenai fishing harbours on 22 September 2026.

The initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of the fishing community to administer immediate first aid during emergencies encountered at sea. Naval nursing personnel provided practical instruction on drowning resuscitation, bleeding control, basic life support, snakebite management, wound dressing, and the safe transport of injured patients.

Alongside the emergency care training, the session focused on non-communicable disease prevention, emphasizing diabetes and hypertension management, balanced nutrition using locally available food, physical fitness, mental well-being, and the avoidance of tobacco and alcohol. Navy medical teams also conducted health screenings for attending fishermen, monitoring key metrics including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and body mass index.

The programme forms part of the Sri Lanka Navy's ongoing community outreach efforts to support the health and welfare of coastal communities, alongside its primary mandate of ensuring maritime security.