Inspection tour of the Navy Commander in North Central & North Western Naval Areas

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne visited the North Central and North Western Naval Areas on 26th and 27th September 2015 in order to inspect their operational readiness and administrative functions. He was accompanied by several senior naval officers attached to the Naval Headquarters and the Heads of Departments of the respective naval commands.

On arrival in the North Central Naval Area, the Navy Commander was received by the Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Dimuthu Gunawardene at SLNS Buwaneka in Nachchikuda and accompanied him to SLNS Pussadewa in Vankalai, SLNS Gajaba in Mannar and SLNS Thammanna in Thalai-mannar to review the security arrangements,implementation of welfare programmes and community relation measures of the respective naval bases. He also declared open the Flag Rank Officers’ Holiday Bungalow, a long felt need, at SLNS Thammanna, which was established as Naval Deployment Thalai-mannar, an isolated establishment, by then Sub Lieutenant Wijegunaratne with 17 sailors in 1985. Later in 1997, as a Lieutenant Commander, he served as the Commanding Officer of the same base. By that time, it was the prominent naval base which countered LTTE activities in the area despite its isolation. Therefore, it remained highly vulnerable all the time.

On conclusion of the tour in the North Central Naval Area, he proceeded to the North Western Naval Area on 27th and was received by the Commander North Western Naval Area, Rear Admiral Niraja Attygalle at SLNS Barana  in Mullikulam. During the NWNA stay, the Commander visited SLNS Barana in Mullikulam, RABS Headquarters in Gangewadiya, and SLNS Vijaya in Kalpitiya to ascertain the adequacy of their operational and administrative facilities to meet the objectives of the command that protects the north western coastal belt of the island. While at SLNS Barana, the Commander of the Navy also unveiled the plaque of the North Western Naval Command Headquarters. Having declared open the RABS HQ Pier, which has been built to enhance berthing facilities for RABS craft, the Navy Commander viewed a presentation on the RABS' present deployment and operations to ensure security in the area. Continuing the last leg of his NWNA visit, the Commander declared open the Officer Holiday Bungalow at SLNS Vijaya on 27th.

During the two day inspection visit, the Navy Commander addressed the officers and sailors at each and every base and appreciated their constant vigilance to prevent illegal activities in respective areas. He emphasized the need for rendering assistance to achieve the military and national objectives as a ilitary force while enhancing one's professional knowledge.

North Central Naval Area

North Western Naval Area