Commander of the Navy embarks on first official visit to Northern Naval Command

Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera on 16th January 2023 embarked on his first official visit to the Northern Naval Command, after assuming the command as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. During this visit, he also addressed officers and sailors in the Northern Naval Command with regard to the way forward, intentions and operational readiness of the Sri Lanka Navy.

On the sidelines of this visit, Commander of the Navy called on Chief Incumbent of Nagadeepa Purana Rajamaha Viharaya and Chief Sanghanayake for Northern Province, Most Ven. Nawadagala Padumakitti Tissa Thera to receive blessings and paid homage to the temple as well. Moreover, he also called on Ven. Meegahajadure Siriwimala Thera of Naga Viharaya, Jaffna and Ven. Gintota Nandarama Thera of Tissa Viharaya in Kankasanthurai and received their wise counsel and blessings.

Meanwhile, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera took time off to visit some of the construction sites in the Northern Naval Command and gave necessary directives to expedite their remaining work. Also, he inspected the vehicle invented by the Command Engineering Department for coastal observation, going by an idea of Commander of the Navy when he held office then as Commander Northern Naval Area.

Next, the stage was set for the address of Commander of the Navy. Subsequent to the opening remarks made by the Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon, Commander of the Navy delivered his speeches to the officers and sailors of the Northern Naval Command respectively.

Commander of the Navy expressed that he was delighted to address the naval personnel of the Northern Naval Command during his maiden visit to the command after assuming duties as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy. There, he highlighted the importance of a number of matters such as commitment of naval personnel to the duty during the hard times the country is going through as well as Navy’s bounden duty in protection of maritime frontiers of the island nation from all forms of threats. Commander of the Navy also appreciated the contribution made by the Northern Naval Command especially in curbing illegal activities in northern waters and stated that he hoped such contribution will be continued in the future.

In addition, he said that the Navy was engaged in a wide range of nation-building efforts to make infrastructure and facilities available with the help of organization’s manpower and expertise, considering the need of the hour. Moreover, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera heaped praise on naval personnel who are pressed into service for the rescue of the public at times of natural disasters within the country and for the rescue of maritime and fishing communities in distress out at sea.

Adding further, he expressed that the naval personnel could withstand challenging times. In this regard, he underlined the role of officers and senior sailors in leading junior sailors with motivation whilst making opportunities to adapt and grow. Commander of the Navy also mentioned that microeconomic affairs should be managed with great attention and that the Naval Welfare Directorate as well as the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit would contribute to provide relief for the economic hardships of naval personnel.

He further stated that even in the face of these challenging times, dedication to the work and performance of the Navy's duties is expected from all naval personnel. Adding more, Commander of the Navy expressed his confidence in performing the classic role of the Navy at any cost, remaining firm against various forms of external pressure. On the other hand, the Navy Chief urged naval personnel to adhere to time-honoured customs and traditions unique to the Navy and hone their skills through training, as it is essential for constant development. Here, he also went on to mention about the opportunities which are now widely open for women in the Navy to exhibit their capabilities, shoulder to shoulder with men.

As another highlight of the visit, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera visited Leading Seaman M Kanagarathnam (Retd) in Chunnakam, Jaffna. The veteran bade adieu to the Navy in 1974, having served in both the Royal Ceylon Navy and Sri Lanka Navy.