Navy switches on solar power system in Southern Naval Command

A new 160-kilowatt solar power system was opened at the Onboard Security Team (OBST) Operations Centre in Pettigalawatta, Galle as part of ongoing efforts to promote and expand renewable energy use within the Sri Lanka Navy.

The Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Damian Fernando inaugurated the installation today, 13 November 2026, at the OBST Operations Centre, which is administered by SLNS Dakshina under the Southern Naval Command.

Going green and cutting costs, 8 renewable energy projects are now underway in the Southern Naval Command, as the Navy steps up its push for efficient, eco-friendly energy management.

The newly inaugurated 160-kilowatt solar power system, the second of its kind, will feed electricity into the national grid while meeting the daily power needs of the OBST Operations Centre, and will recover its project costs over the long term.

At the opening, Project Officer, Captain Chamara Nanayakkara of the Electrical and Electronic Engineering Department (South) briefed the Navy Commander on the progress and benefits of the Southern Naval Command's renewable energy projects.

The Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral HNS Perera, Deputy Area Commander, Commodore Aruna Weerasinghe and senior officers from the Navy Headquarters and the Southern Naval Command were present.