SLNS Sayura on 24th December 2024 returned to the island on successful completion of Sri Lanka-India Naval Exercise (SLINEX) – 24. The annual bilateral exercise SLINEX was successfully held at the Naval Dockyard of Visakhapatnam, India and in the eastern waters from 16th to 20th December 2024.

The Naval Pilgrims Rest in Katharagama and sailors’ mess at SLNS Kawantissa were declared open by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera today (24th December 2024), along with the participation of the President of Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs Mala Lamahewa. These new facilities have been established to enhance welfare provisions for naval personnel and their families.

A group of senior officers including Rear Admiral YING Hongbo and Rear Admiral HE Yongming from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ called on the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera at the Navy Headquarters today (23rd December 2024).

12th Navy to Navy Staff Talks between Indian Navy and Sri Lanka Navy came to a successful end in New Delhi, India on 20th December 2024. The three-day event, which began on 18th December, aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two neighboring navies.

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy hospital ship ‘Peace Ark’ arrived in Colombo on a formal visit on 21st December 2024. The visiting ship was welcomed by the Sri Lanka Navy in compliance with naval traditions.

The Sri Lanka Navy Christian Council, in collaboration with the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit and the Navy Band, hosted the Navy Christmas Carols 2024 at the Wave n' Lake Navy Hall in Welisara on 20th December 2024. Themed "Decked in Navy Blue and Red, Merry Christmas from the Seas to the Shore," the event was a vibrant celebration of the festive season. Graced by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the event saw the participation of distinguished guests, including the President of the Navy Seva Vanitha Unit, Mrs. Mala Lamahewa.

A new Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, installed as part of the Naval Social Responsibility (NSR) project, was declared open for community use at the Ranpathwila Maha Vidyalaya in the Kahatagasdigiliya Divisional Secretariat, Anuradhapura on 20th December 2024.

On successful completion of their training at Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) in Welisara, 45 naval artificer apprentices of the 21st artificer intake of NIT passed out at the main parade ground of NIT in Welisara today (20th December 2024). At the invitation of Acting Training Commander (E), Commander RS De Soyza, the ceremony was graced by Director General Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Rear Admiral Prashantha Anthony, as the Chief Guest.

Coinciding with the 74th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Navy and the 30th SLNS Uththara Day, a blood donation campaign was held at the Naval Hospital of Northern Command on 18th December 2024.

The Sri Lanka Navy played a role in the successful completion of the Air-Sea Rescue Course conducted by the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) on 18th December 2024 at Browns Beach, Negombo.