Visiting the Navy Headquarters, the newly appointed High Commissioner of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to Sri Lanka, H.E. Major General Nayyar Naseer, HI (M), (Retd) met with the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda today (29 Apr 26).

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK which arrived in Sri Lanka on a formal training visit, departed the island on 28 Apr 26, on successful completion of intended programmes. The Sri Lanka Navy bade customary farewell to the outgoing ship in keeping with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.

The Sri Lanka Navy proudly welcomed 373 new recruits into its fold during a colourful passing out parade held at the main parade ground of SLNS Nipuna in Boossa, Galle, on 27 Apr 26. This latest cohort of the 263^rd intake comprises 230 regular and 143 volunteer recruits who successfully completed their basic naval training. The ceremony was graced by the Director General Health Services, Rear Admiral Janaka Marambe, as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of the Commandant and Commanding Officer SLNS Nipuna, Captain Rasika Piyasena.

The Sri Lanka Navy demonstrated its commitment to maritime safety and responded to bring ashore an injured fisherman and rushed him for urgent medical attention on 25 Apr 26. The fisherman was aboard a local multiday fishing trawler off the south coast and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Colombo coordinated the retrieval of the fisherman.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, conducted an official two-day visit to the Northwestern Naval Command on 18 and 19 Apr 26, to assess the operational and administrative readiness of naval establishments and ongoing projects.

In order to observe first-hand the operations of the ‘Ratama Ekata’ National Programme and the Sri Lanka Navy’s ongoing commitment, to the Government’s flagship initiative aimed at ensuring a “Dignified Life - Secure Nation” for every citizen, the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), paid a special visit to the Special Operations Centre at Navy Headquarters in Akuregoda today (21 April).

The Indian Navy Ship (INS) NIREEKSHAK arrived in Sri Lanka for Operational Turnaround (OTR) and a training visit on 21 Apr 26. The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship at the port of Colombo in accordance with time-honoured naval traditions.

In a proactive move to enhance passenger ferry safety, the Sri Lanka Navy, in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard, conducted an awareness programme for ferry owners and operators on 17 Apr 26. Held at the Kurikadduwan Jetty in Jaffna, the session was designed to ensure a secure and streamlined maritime transport service for the public.

The Indonesian Navy Sailing Ship KRI BIMA SUCI – 945 departed the island on 18 Apr 26, marking the successful completion of her official goodwill visit. The ship was accorded a formal farewell by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with naval traditions at the Port of Colombo.

In a vibrant display of maritime cooperation and shared naval traditions, the Sri Lanka Navy joined hands with the crew of the visiting Indonesian Navy sailing ship, ‘KRI BIMA SUCI - 945’, to host a colourful City Parade and Cultural Show at the Galle Face Green on 16 Apr 26.