The Sri Lanka Navy on 19th August 2023 resumed the cruises to visit the peaceful and calm waters of Trincomalee harbour premises and the Pigeon Island, Nilaveli. The initiative which formally commenced at the Trincomalee harbour, will allow tourists, school children, naval personnel and their families to once again experience cruises in the alluring waters of Trincomalee.

Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe, the President and Commander - in - Chief of the Armed Forces of Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka awarded President's Colour to the Sri Lanka Volunteer Naval Force on 18th August 2023. The distinguished honour was bestowed upon the Volunteer Naval Force, in recognition of its unwavering dedication, exemplary service, and significant contributions to the nation, as the main supplementary force of the Sri Lanka Navy. The momentous ceremony was held at the main parade ground of SLNS Nipuna in Boossa, in precision with time-honoured naval tradition.

In a commendable display of social responsibility, the Sri Lanka Navy undertook the initiative to repair hospital beds and refurbish essential equipment at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children. Deputy Director Hull Engineering, Captain Kapila De Silva officially handed over the repaired beds and equipment to the Lady Ridgeway Hospital, Colombo today (17th August 2023).

The Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF) 2023 concluded on 17th August 2023, marking a significant milestone in the stakeholders’ commitment to addressing environmental challenges and ensuring the security of its ecosystems. The 12th edition of IPESF was co-hosted by the US Indo- Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG). The forum was held at Shangri-La Colombo over 04 days (14th to 17th August) facilitating the exchange of insights and exemplary approaches among stakeholders concerned with environmental security.

Defence Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retd) laid the foundation stone for the proposed headquarters building of the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association (SLESA) at the tri-service headquarters premises in Akuregoda today (17th August 2023). The occasion was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera.

The Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF) 2023, co-hosted by the US Indo- Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) is currently underway with great success at Shangri-La Colombo. On the 16th of August 2023, during the third day of the forum, a series of activities including presentations, panel discussions, and collaborative group sessions centered around the Impacts of Urbanization and Land Security. The primary objective was to facilitate the exchange of insights and exemplary approaches among stakeholders concerned with environmental security.

Commodore Jagath Liyanagamage assumes duties as Acting Director General Budget and Finance at the Navy Headquarters today (15th August 2023).

In a significant step towards enhancing education and community development, the Navy embarked on a project to expand the infrastructure of Chettipulam Tamil Primary School in Kayts. The magnanimous project was sponsored by the Royal College Old Boys’ East Coast Foundation in USA and Dr. JIT Rajiyah. The renovated school buildings and other infrastructure were declared open by Commander Northern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon on 14th August 2023.

The Sri Lanka Navy today (15th August 2023) bade farewell to Rear Admiral Rajinda Saram who retired from his naval service that spanned over 33 years.

The Indo-Pacific Environmental Security Forum (IPESF) 2023, co-hosted by the US lndo- Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), Sri Lanka Navy (SLN), and Sri Lanka Coast Guard (SLCG) commenced at Shangri-La Colombo today (14th August 2023). The inauguration of the forum, held in a dignified sequence, was graced by the U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, H.E. Julie Chung, Senior Adviser to the President on Climate Change, Mr. Ruwan Wijewardene, Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera and a host of distinguished invitees.