Navy – organized joint amphibious exercise concludes in Palaitivu, Jaffna

In a display of seamless coordination and strategic prowess, the Sri Lanka Navy successfully organized a joint amphibious exercise on the Palaitivu Island, Jaffna. The three - day – exercise, held from 09th to 11th January 2024, witnessed the active participation of 722 personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, showcasing the collaborative strength.

Following the directives of the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and under the supervision of Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon the exercise had been organized, aiming to enhance interoperability and readiness among the different branches of the armed forces. A total of 434 Navy personnel, 284 Army personnel, and 04 Air Force members took part in the intensive training maneuvers.

The exercise also featured SLNS Shakthi, the biggest Landing Ship of the Sri Lanka Navy, Fast Gun Boats such as SLNS Ranawickrama, SLNS Ranajaya, Sri Lanka Coast Guard ships and craft as well as a Bell 212 helicopter of the Sri Lanka Air Force, underlining the integration of various military assets.

Navy Landing Craft are consistently engaged in the vital task of transporting goods and personnel to the northern islands, as well as to Kachchativu and Palaitivu Islands during their annual church festivals. Joint amphibious exercises of this nature serve to enhance the operational efficiency of the tri-forces fostering improved interoperability essential during emergencies.