SBS Day celebrated at its headquarters in Trincomalee

Sri Lanka Navy’s elite Special Boat Squadron (SBS) celebrated the SBS Day on 14th November 2015 at its headquarters in Trincomalee giving priority to religious observances. Its first Commanding Officer the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne was the chief guest at the event attended by the retired SBS personnel, family members and serving SBS personnel.

The activities of the SBS Day commenced with a Bana preaching on 13th followed by an alms giving on the following day to invoke merit on the war heroes. One minute silence was observed in honour of the fallen comrades and the Commander of the Navy presented special mementos to the family members and the retired SBS personnel as a mark of appreciation of their contribution to the defence of the motherland. Special arrangements had also been made to receive the parents and family members to the occasion with a visit to the Koneswaram Temple and a boat ride in the Trincomalee harbour. They were given an opportunity to meet with the Commander of the Navy during an interactive session where they were able to relate their past experience and exchange views.

The SBS is the SLN’s elite marine force specialized in amphibious warfare and maritime counter-terrorism operations. Established in 1993 under the leadership of the then Lieutenant Commander Ravindra Wijegunaratne, the elite marine force conduct a wide range of special water-borne and land-based operations. It played a pivotal role in eradicating terrorism by conducting a series of well-coordinated special missions during the humanitarian operation.

During the two decades in SBS history six officers and 46 SBS sailors have made the supreme sacrifice in protecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of mother Lanka. Further 4 officers and 3 sailors who were wounded in action are also, still contributing their valuable service to the SBS.