The Sri Lanka Navy on 20 Jun 25 commenced its support for devotees undertaking the annual ‘Paada Yaathra’ pilgrimage, a sacred journey on foot from the northern and eastern parts of the country to the Kataragama Devalaya. As part of this initiative, the Navy ensures the needs of pilgrims are met along the stretch from the entrance of Kumana National Park to Kumbukkan Oya. Joining the ‘Paada Yaathra’, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda personally oversaw the arrangements to ensure a hassle free experience for the devotees

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda conducted an official three-day visit to the Southeastern Naval Command from 20 to 22 Jun 25. During this visit, he inspected key operational preparedness, reviewed administrative functions, assessed ongoing infrastructure projects and evaluated the progress of welfare initiatives for naval personnel.

Instructor Lieutenant Commander Somasiri Devendra, a distinguished naval instructor and former Commandant of the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee, passed away on 19 June 25. His passing marked the end of an era for the Sri Lanka Navy, where he played a pivotal role in shaping generations of naval officers.

On successful completion of their training at Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) in Welisara, 32 naval artificer apprentices of the 22nd artificer intake passed out at the main parade ground of NIT in Welisara on 20 Jun 25. The ceremony was graced by Director General Engineering, Rear Admiral Hasantha Dassanaike as the Chief Guest, at the invitation of Director of Studies (NIT), Captain Hemajith Bandara.

Representing the Sri Lanka Navy's ongoing commitment to community welfare through their Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) programme, 02 new Reverse Osmosis (RO) plants were officially opened in the villages of Thelhiriyawa and Konwewa of Thambuttegama, Anuradhapura on 20 Jun 25.

In a proactive effort to enhance maritime environmental safety, the Sri Lanka Navy and Coast Guard joined forces for an intensive two-day oil spill response drill (16th and 17th Jun 25) at PH Bay in Kankasanthurei.

Demonstrating its unwavering dedication to public welfare and community development, the Sri Lanka Navy joined forces with the Sri Lanka Coast Guard and the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources to provide vital life-saving training for fishermen in the Northern region. The training sessions were held at SLNS Kanchadewa and SLNS Gotaimbara on 11 and 18 Jun 25.

In continuation of Naval Social Responsibility initiatives, the Navy conducted a series of dental health camps from 03 to 07 Jun 25. The programmes were held in Maho and Kumbukgate in Kurunegala and Mundalama, Kottukachchiya and Gangewadiya in Puttalam, in a gesture aimed at giving back to the community.

In a significant boost to healthcare services for naval personnel, the Navy received a consignment of medical equipment at the Navy General Hospital, Welisara on 17 Jun 25. The contribution was made by the Hospital Services Council under the leadership of its director, the Most Venerable Rajawelle Subhuthi Thero.

The Sri Lanka Navy conducted an awareness programme on Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) hazards, including practical exercises at Ashroff Jetty, Trincomalee on 17 Jun 25.