In commemoration of the 16th National War Heroes’ Day, the Deputy Minister of Defence Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retd), accompanied by Service Commanders, embarked on a visit to the Ranaviru Sevana in Ragama on 19 May 25.

The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Hon. Anura Kumara Disanayake on 19 May 25 presided over the National War Heroes’ Day commemoration held at the National War Heroes’ Monument in Battaramulla. The ceremony held in a dignified sequence was organized by the Ministry of Defence and Ranaviru Seva Authority.

Hosted by the Sri Lanka Defence Services Sports Board, the 80th International Military Sport Council (CISM) General Assembly & Congress commenced at the Grand Maitland, Colombo today (19 May 25). The Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara, as the Chief Guest, graced the event, where the keynote address was delivered by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda

In a remarkable display of professionalism, 09 skillful divers of the Sri Lanka Navy successfully completed a 100-metre underwater dive mission off Elephant Island on 18 May 25. The historic feat which marked a significant milestone in the Navy’s maritime capabilities, was witnessed by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, commending the divers for their professionalism and courage.

In a commendable initiative to promote student health, the Sri Lanka Navy subject matter expertise partnered with the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) Trincomalee, to conduct a health awareness programme for the students of Tissa Vidyalaya, Trincomalee on 14 and 15 May 25.

In a significant step towards ensuring access to clean drinking water, 06 Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants were declared open at Sangattewa, Dampalassagama, Gonapathirawa, Dhathusenapura and Puliyankulama in Ipalogama, Anuradhapura on 16 May 25. These initiatives, spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Navy's Research and Development Unit, are part of the Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) Project, which continues to make a positive impact.

The Sri Lanka Navy today (17 May 25) bade farewell to Rear Admiral Sanath Pitigala who relinquished his duties to which he was committed over the past 35 years in the Sri Lanka Navy.

In a significant step towards combating thalassemia, the Sri Lanka Navy 16 May 25 handed over 400 thalassemia infusion systems to the Ministry of Health. The ceremonial handover took place at the Navy Headquarters under the patronage of the Commander of the Navy, marking a meaningful gesture in observance of World Thalassemia Day (08 May).

Under the auspices of the Naval Buddhist Association, the Sri Lanka Navy has arranged religious programmes across all Naval Commands to celebrate the Vesak festival which was observed on 12 May 25. In addition, the Navy is also playing a significant role in supporting the State Vesak Festival held in Nuwara Eliya as well as “Bauddhaloka” and “Buddha Rashmi” Vesak Zones in Colombo.

Enhancing its technical capabilities in radiation detection at port entry points and within the nation’s territorial waters, the Sri Lanka Navy received the initial major consignment of equipment under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Department of Energy’s Office of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the United States. The symbolic handover of equipment was held at the Navy Headquarters today (15 May 25), attended by the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Julie Chung and Commander of the Navy.