Navy Commander pins flag patches on RIMPAC-bound SLN contingent

In a proud moment for the nation’s maritime forces, the Sri Lanka Navy Marine contingent is officially bound for the world’s largest international maritime exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) 2026. Prior to their departure, the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda, pinned Sri Lanka flag patches on the uniforms of the RIMPAC-bound SLN contingent of 13 officers and 30 sailors at the Navy Headquarters on 18 Jun 26.

Hosted by the U.S. Pacific Fleet, RIMPAC 2026 marks the 30th edition of this premier multilateral maritime exercise. Scheduled to take place from 24 Jun to 31 Jul, in and around the Hawaiian Islands, this year's iteration will bring together a gathering of naval and military power. Personnel from 31 nations, alongside an array of warships, submarines, aircraft, and ground forces, are set to participate in this collaborative maritime exercise.

Participation in multilateral exercises of this nature aligns with the Sri Lanka Navy's commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and combatting non-traditional maritime threats. By operating alongside global maritime partners, the Sri Lanka Navy continues to exchange vital knowledge, refine tactical strategies, and share best practices strengthening collective efforts to identify evolving maritime challenges and develop collaborative solutions to ensure secure and open seas.