Commander of the Navy visits North Central Naval Command

Making a visit to the North Central Naval Command, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne looked into the Command’s operational readiness, its administrative function and welfare facilities, on 26th and 27th December 2020.

During this visit, Commander of the Navy called at Sri Lanka Naval Ship (SLNS) Shiksha, Pandukabhaya, Gajaba, Thammanna, Buwaneka and Pussadewa as well as a couple of Naval Detachments operating under the administration of those naval establishments, in North Central Naval Command and made it a point to inspect the operational readiness of the Command as well as its administrative function and welfare facilities. Meanwhile, Commander of the Navy also reviewed the progress of ongoing construction projects in the Command and addressed a cross section of naval personnel attached to the North Central Naval Command. This also turned out to be his first official visit to the North Central Naval Command upon assuming office as Commander of the Navy.

While taking his time off to pay special attention on training matters of SLNS Shiksha, Commander of the Navy also appreciated the Commander North Central Naval Area, Commandant SLNS Shiksha and directing staff for continuing training activities unhindered in the state of new normal, following the onset of COVID-19 pandemic. Adding more, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne also said that it is the responsibility of the instructors to lay a solid foundation for the development of a naval person, in both recruit training and advanced training, enabling the trainees to steam the Navy ahead with confidence.

Further, Commander of the Navy emphasized the importance of the solidification of the divisional system which is unique to the Navy, for smooth administrative function of the organization. In similar vein he stressed upon the up keeping of naval discipline at higher level at all times and expressed that all naval personnel should be mindful of good hygiene practices when it comes to official and domestic chores in the most responsible manner, in order to move forward with new normalcy.

Speaking further, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne stated that it is expected to acquire new platforms with a view of replacing the aging fleet in coming years and he urged all naval personnel to gain the competencies to operate new technology that is being acquired into the naval fleet.

Commander of the Navy also pointed out that the Navy is playing a vital role in apprehension of drug traffickers operating in island waters and Indian Ocean, through its routine patrols, in support of the government's efforts to prevent the smuggling and distribution of narcotics in Sri Lanka. As such he urged all naval personnel to perform their duty in a firm resolve to ward off this menace from the society. Similarly, Commander of the Navy assured that stern disciplinary action would be taken for drug related offences as well.

Moreover, Commander of the Navy opined that a strong, courageous, physically and mentally fit workforce is mandatory for the progress of the Navy and highlighted the necessity of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and physical fitness, in compliance with Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as the Physical Endurance Test (PET) guidelines.

Shedding light on welfare facilities, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne told that the naval hospital system has been extensively upgraded to provide required health facilities to both serving and retired naval personnel and declared the expectations to extend these facilities further with the highest standard in the time to come.

Speaking to naval personnel of the Naval Detachment Thalpadu belongs to SLNS Gajaba, Commander of the Navy highly appreciated the efforts of naval personnel of the Detachment, who made a praiseworthy effort to shield the vessels of the North Central Naval Command from the effects of Cyclone ‘Burevi’. Reminding of the responsibility that a naval person shoulders when onboard, Vice Admiral Ulugetenne asked all naval personnel to be honest and true to the duty they are committed to, at all levels.

The arrangements of this visit had been organized adhering to COVID-19 preventive guidelines and those events were also attended by Commander North Central Naval Area, Rear Admiral Sanjeewa Dias, a group of senior officers from the Navy Headquarters, Heads of Departments and a group of officers from the North Central Naval Command. Marking his visit to the North Central Naval Command, Commander of the Navy planted mango and coconut saplings at SLNS Pandukabhaya, Thammanna, Buwaneka and Naval Detachment Oluthuduvai.